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Bihar brouhaha: Sharad Yadav breaks silence, calls Nitish’s power-swap “unfortunate”, betrayal of mandate

Published

9 years ago

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Sharad Yadav

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Former Janata Dal (United) chief has been sulking ever since Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar broke the Mahagathbandhan last week and chose to ally with BJP to return to office within four hours of his ‘conscience call’

Emerging from his five-day-long ‘political hibernation’, former Janata Dal (United) chief and the party’s seniormost Rajya Sabha member, Sharad Yadav, finally broke his silence on Monday over Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to purge his own Mahagathbandhan government last Thursday and then be sworn-in to office within 16 hours with the BJP as his ally.

Yadav confirmed speculations that he was not happy with Kumar’s decision to resign as chief minister of the 20-month-old JD (U)-RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan government and stopped just shy of terming as blatant betrayal his decision to take the BJP’s support to return as the state’s top executive last Friday.

Speaking to mediapersons outside the Parliament on Monday, a visibly upset Yadav said: “Whatever happened is very unfortunate. The mandate by the people was not for this.”

Yadav had gone into a studied silence the moment Nitish Kumar announced his resignation last Thursday evening – a move that had left his alliance partners, RJD chief Lalu Yadav, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders stunned. It is widely believed that Kumar had not kept Sharad Yadav in the loop on his surprise move, putting him in an embarrassing position at a time when for Rajya Sabha MP was at the forefront of the Opposition’s effort to corner the Narendra Modi-led BJP government both inside and outside the Parliament.

RJD chief Lalu Yadav had earlier indicated that Sharad was sulking over Kumar’s decision. “He (Sharad) had called me after the trust vote on Friday and said that he wasn’t happy about what was happening… he even urged me to carry on my fight,” Lalu had told mediapersons, adding that he replied to the former JD (U) chief saying he should “join us and lead our fight against the BJP and its allies”.

Sharad’s silence in the days following Kumar’s high political drama was being attributed to two things. First, there were clear attempts by senior JD (U) leaders as well as the BJP to keep Sharad from speaking out against the Bihar chief minister and the grapevine was abuzz with speculation that he might be offered a key portfolio in the Narendra Modi government since his party could now join the NDA at the Centre too. Sharad’s meeting with union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Friday had further strengthened this rumour. Second, those who know Sharad well claim that he was weighing his options and didn’t want to openly confront Kumar, or resign from the JD (U), as this would mean that he would also lose his Rajya Sabha membership which still has three more years before it ends.

Sources say that Sharad’s hope of getting a hefty portfolio in the Narendra Modi cabinet didn’t meet a favourable response – possibly because of his recent attacks on the Prime Minister during interventions in the Rajya Sabha and also his frosty relations with Kumar.

The wily politician that he is, Yadav seems to have – for now – decided to stay within the JD (U) and act as the party’s internal voice of dissent at least till a time when he is either won over by Kumar or can break away and join some other party or form his own. Doing so would give Sharad at least some bargaining power, which he currently does not have since he is neither a leader with a mass base nor one who has a significant hold over the JD (U) legislators in the Bihar assembly.

Sharad’s open disapproval of Kumar’s power swap, which the chief minister had termed as a result of a call of conscience which was unsettled about him sharing political space with a ‘corrupt’ Tejashwai Yadav as his deputy, comes after the veteran socialist leader took to Twitter to criticise the Modi government on a range of issues.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It now remains to be seen whether Sharad, in days to come, would be favourably disposed to once friend-then rival-and friend again Lalu Yadav’s appeal to part ways with the JD (U) and stick with the Opposition in its fight against the BJP.

“Nitish has tarnished the image of Ambedkar. I urge Sharad Yadav, whom we consider as a true leader, to travel to every corner of the country and come to Bihar and join our fight against the BJP and Nitish Kumar,” Lalu has said repeatedly since Thursday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Amit Shah praises Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, says Nation above post

Amit Shah hailed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, saying BJP places the nation and students above any position while highlighting the government’s commitment to examination reforms.

Published

1 day ago

on

July 26, 2026

By

Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s decision to step down as Union Education Minister, saying the move reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to placing the nation and students above any political position.

In a post on X, Shah said that for BJP workers, the country, its youth and students are more important than any office. He described Pradhan’s resignation as an example of the party’s guiding principle of prioritising national interest over personal ambition.

Shah highlights government’s focus on exam reforms

Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the examination system following concerns over alleged paper leaks.

He said the Centre has introduced strict measures to ensure severe punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and expressed confidence that these steps would deliver justice to students who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Praises Pradhan’s work as Education Minister

Recalling Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his time in the Education Ministry. He credited Pradhan with helping implement the National Education Policy (NEP), expanding PM SHRI schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development and improving coordination between industry and academic institutions.

Shah also said Pradhan worked towards making examinations more inclusive and student-centric, adding that his tenure reflected his commitment to the vision of a developed India.

Resignation follows NEET controversy

Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and growing demands for accountability.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the development as a result of sustained student protests, BJP leaders have projected it as an example of accountability and commitment to national interest.

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Centre ready for NEET debate in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi’s paper leak claims to be investigated: JP Nadda

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the government is prepared for a detailed Parliament debate on the NEET paper leak issue and will investigate Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of multiple paper leaks over the last decade.

Published

5 days ago

on

July 22, 2026

By

JP-Nadda

The Centre has reiterated its willingness to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda saying the government is prepared for a debate of any duration. He also said Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of around 152 examination paper leaks over the past 10 years would be investigated.

Government open to debate of any duration

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, JP Nadda said the government has consistently supported a discussion on the paper leak issue in Parliament. He stated that the Opposition could decide the duration of the debate through the Business Advisory Committee, whether it is a short discussion or one extending to 12 or even 18 hours.

Nadda, who is also the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, said the government remains fully prepared for a comprehensive discussion and urged the Opposition not to shift its position on the issue.

Rahul Gandhi’s paper leak allegations to be examined

Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent presentation, Nadda said the Congress leader referred to nearly 150 paper leak incidents over the last decade. He described those claims as a matter that requires investigation and said the government would examine the allegations before presenting the facts to the public.

According to Nadda, a responsible government is committed to verifying such claims and ensuring that the truth is established through due investigation.

Calls for a united approach on NEET issue

Highlighting the significance of the matter, Nadda said the future of students should remain the top priority for both the government and the Opposition. He appealed to political parties to work together in finding a long-term solution to prevent examination irregularities.

He added that safeguarding the interests of students is a shared responsibility and called for constructive cooperation instead of political differences.

Nadda on meeting with CJP representatives

The Union Minister also spoke about his recent interaction with representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). He said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which the government listened to their concerns and asked them to submit their suggestions in writing.

Nadda said the government remains open to further discussions whenever required and clarified that no meeting with the group was held on Wednesday.

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Opposition demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation before NEET discussion in Parliament

The Opposition has demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation before any discussion on the NEET paper leak in Parliament, while the Centre says it is fully prepared for a debate.

Published

5 days ago

on

July 22, 2026

By

The political deadlock over the NEET paper leak issue continued in Parliament on Wednesday, with Opposition parties demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any discussion takes place. The Centre, however, maintained that it is fully prepared to debate the matter during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Leading the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said there could be no fair discussion on the NEET issue unless Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post.

Centre rejects Opposition’s condition

Responding to the Opposition’s demand, Leader of the House JP Nadda said the government was not avoiding a discussion and remained open to debating all issues, including the alleged NEET paper leak.

He said the government had already made its position clear and described it as transparent, adding that it was willing to discuss every matter raised by the Opposition.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also reiterated that the Centre had been ready for discussions since the beginning of the Monsoon Session. He said the government had consistently conveyed its willingness to debate the NEET issue and other important matters.

Rijiju added that if the Opposition was looking for reasons to avoid a discussion, it would not be appropriate. According to him, the procedure and timing of the debate would be decided after consultations among all parties under the Chair’s guidance.

Opposition maintains resignation demand

The government also informed the House that its willingness to discuss the issue had been communicated to Congress leaders and representatives of other political parties.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed the Opposition’s stand, saying students were seeking the resignation of the Education Minister before any discussion. He asserted that the resignation should come first, followed by parliamentary debate on the issue.

Akhilesh Yadav also joined Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs during a march towards the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi on Tuesday as part of the protest over the NEET controversy.

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