Dharmendra Pradhan says he sought PM’s approval to accept protesters’ demands
Former Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated he sought Prime Minister Modi's approval to address the demands of student protesters. Pradhan defended his tenure and emphasized the importance of youth aspirations for India's future.
Why it matters
The statement reflects the political fallout from student protests and the government's attempt to manage public perception regarding education and employment.
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday (August 8, 2026) said he had personally sought permission from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to concede the demands of the protesters led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) recently at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The PM had agreed and also interacted with the youth, Mr. Pradhan said.
Mr. Pradhan, who stepped down from the post of Education Minister following massive protests by students, claimed it was never a prestige issue for him. “The incidents that took place recently show that some people tried to mislead the Gen Z or the new generation of youths. Who are Gen Zs? I believe they are our own. It was never a matter of personal prestige for me,” he said, addressing a gathering attended by Padma Shri awardees in Sambalpur, Odisha.
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