"Nation Before Self": Dharmendra Pradhan Quits, BJP Ministers Leaders Praise Him

As Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister amid raging student protests, the BJP ministers and leaders lauded his public service and decision to step down calling it a "selfless act" in the interest on the country.

BJP President Nitin Nabin said that Pradhan played a "pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape.

"As Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji played a pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape and successfully implementing the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives," Nabin posted on X.

He added that the party stands by Pradhan's decision to quit.

"Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life. The party stands firmly with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji in this decision," Nabin said.

As Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji played a pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape and successfully implementing the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives.

Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step… https://t.co/fJB5EnCBLk

— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) July 25, 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that he has seen Pradhan's dedication to strengthen India's education system closely, adding that he always kept students at the centre of every decision.

"True leadership is measured over decades & @dpradhanbjp ji's journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life & student welfare," Rijiju posted on X.

"Having worked alongside him in the Union Cabinet, I have seen his sincere dedication to strengthening India's education ecosystem & keeping our millions of young students at the centre of every decision. Leading such a critical sector demands immense perseverance & he embraced it with courage & clear vision," the Parliamentary Affairs Minister added.

Thanking Pradhan for his "relentless service and commitment", Rijiju said: "I wish you the very best as you continue to serve the nation with the same conviction & sincerity!"

True leadership is measured over decades & @dpradhanbjp ji's journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life & student welfare.

Having worked alongside him in the Union Cabinet, I have seen his sincere dedication to strengthening India's education ecosystem… pic.twitter.com/dNavUuVVh7

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 25, 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a testament to the fact that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government, respecting the sentiments of students and youth is paramount.

"Taking into account the sentiments of the youth and students, Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his position. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a testament to the fact that for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and our government, respecting the sentiments of our students and youth and our commitment to their bright future is paramount," Singh said.

"The concerns in the minds of students regarding the NEET examination, paper leaks, and necessary reforms in the education system are being addressed with complete seriousness and sensitivity," he added. 

युवाओं और विद्यार्थियों की भावनाओं को ध्यान में रखते हुए केन्द्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री श्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान ने अपने पद से इस्तीफ़ा दे दिया है। श्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान का इस्तीफ़ा इस बात का प्रमाण है कि प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदी जी और हमारी सरकार के लिए हमारे विद्यार्थियों और युवाओं…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 25, 2026

Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay called Pradhan's resignation an example of "nation first, party next, self last" character of the BJP workers.

"This is what we are about: Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.

Shri @dpradhanbjp ji has spent decades in public life, from the student movement to serving in key responsibilities in the Union Government," Bandi Sanjay posted on X.

"As Dharmendra Pradhan ji steps down as Union Education Minister, his decision reflects the values our organisation stands for: responsibility before position and nation before self.

Thank you, Dharmendra Pradhan ji, for your years of service and contribution.

This is the BJP. This is democracy. Nation First, always."

This is what we are about: Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.

Shri @dpradhanbjp ji has spent decades in public life, from the student movement to serving in key responsibilities in the Union Government.

Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, democracy means…

— Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) July 25, 2026

BJP leader Amit Malviya said that Pradhan's public life is shaped by "an unwavering commitment to students, education, and nation-building."

"Long before he (Pradhan) assumed office, his journey was deeply rooted in student movements and youth engagement," Malviya posted on X.

"That experience gave him an enduring understanding of the aspirations, challenges and ambitions of young Indians. Throughout his public life, he remained steadfast in his belief that education is the most powerful instrument for social transformation and national progress."

As Shri Dharmendra Pradhan steps down as India's Education Minister, it is an appropriate moment to acknowledge a public life shaped by an unwavering commitment to students, education, and nation-building.

Long before he assumed office, his journey was deeply rooted in student… https://t.co/uiiLk0fTzK

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 25, 2026

"Leading the Ministry of Education is among the most demanding responsibilities in government. It requires balancing the interests of millions of students, teachers, parents and institutions while preparing the country for the future. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan approached this responsibility with conviction, dedication and a long-term vision. His tenure was marked by a continuous effort to strengthen India's education ecosystem, encourage meaningful reforms, and ensure that education remains central to India's developmental journey," Malviya added.