New Delhi [India], July 26 : CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya on Sunday criticised the BJP-led government over the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister in place of Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned yesterday, and alleged that "RSS minister is gone, they again have brought a RSS minister".
He also said that Pralhad Joshi already has portfolios of Consumer Affairs and Renewable Energy and his being given charge of education shows "how important education is to the Modi government".
"Pralhad Joshi has been appointed Education Minister; this is his additional influence. He is also the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Minister of Renewable Energy, and Minister of Food and Public Distribution. So, one is clear. This shows how important education is to the Modi government. They needed one minister, and they have appointed one. The RSS minister is gone; they want an RSS minister, so they again have brought in an RSS minister...," Bhattacharya told ANI.
Meanwhile, Alleti Maheshwar Reddy, who is a BJP MLA in Telangana assembly, defended Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, saying the decision reflected the BJP's commitment to accountability and accused Congress of politicising the issue.
"During the UPA government, question papers were leaked 72 times. Not once did the UPA government take responsibility or accountability for it. You can't win elections, so you raise issues like this to stay in the news. Rahul ji, why do you mislead the youth and play with their lives like this?" Reddy alleged.
"Our leaders stand by the fundamental principle of 'Nation first, party next, self last.' That is why Dharmendra Pradhan is setting an example for this country by resigning," he added.
Joshi was assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.
Joshi said he would discharge his new responsibility with "complete humility and responsibility".
"The Prime Minister has placed his trust in me and has entrusted me with such a significant responsibility. With complete humility and a strong sense of responsibility, I will fulfil this duty," Joshi said after taking charge.
"I thank the Prime Minister for giving me this important responsibility and for showing such great confidence in me. Under his guidance and leadership, I will work sincerely and try my best to meet his expectations in this department," he added.
Joshi also credited Pradhan with implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and said several important initiatives had been undertaken in the education sector over the past few years.
"In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication," Joshi said.
Pradhan resigned as Education Minister yesterday following weeks of protests over NEET-UG paper leak and "examination irregularities", with students demanding transparency, accountability, and reforms in the examination system.
His resignation was a key demand of protestors. Opposition parties had been forcing adjournments in Parliament on the issue.
Pradhan said yesterday that he submitted his resignation to PM Modi in the interest of students and to ensure that the ongoing protests over examination irregularities were not exploited by "anti-national forces."
Union Minister JP Nadda on Saturday said the government had considered and accepted the demands raised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during talks over reforms in the education examination system and other issues related to the protests.
Nadda said the government would carefully examine the CJP's five-point charter on examination reforms and take necessary steps after discussions.
He said discussions were also held on issues related to cases filed during the protests. Nadda added that the government would provide copies of FIRs to the protesters and assured that no retaliatory action would be taken against them.
On the demand for compensation, Nadda said the government was sympathetic towards the affected families and that compensation would be provided according to rules and regulations.
Following the talks, CJP announced the withdrawal of its 37-day-long agitation at Jantar Mantar, saying the decision was taken in "good faith" after receiving assurances from the government.