Had urged PM to hold talks with CJP, he may have heeded my advice: Sharad Pawar
Sharad Pawar claimed he advised Prime Minister Modi to engage in dialogue with CJP protesters rather than using force. He credited the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to the persistence of youth protesters.
Why it matters
Reflects the political dynamics surrounding the NEET paper leak scandal and the influence of opposition leaders in mediating government-protester relations.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday (July 25, 2026) said he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold talks with the CJP leaders and not use force against the young protesters, and Mr. Modi might have taken note of his advice.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak issue was a major victory for the youth power and Indian democracy, the veteran leader told reporters in Pune.
Mr. Pawar had met Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar in Delhi during the CJP's agitation for Mr. Pradhan's resignation, and later also met Prime Minister Modi.
"I personally met the Prime Minister and told him that dialogue is essential in a democracy. I had also told Abhijeet Dipke and other young protesters that if the government showed willingness to hold talks, they too should be ready for dialogue," he said.
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