NEW DELHI: A steady stream of leading BJP figures, including home minister Amit Shah, visited Dharmendra Pradhan's residence in a show of solidarity after he resigned as education minister owing to student protests over the NEET paper leak.Besides Shah, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and commerce and industries minister

Piyush Goyal

were among the key Union Cabinet members who met Pradhan, who has handled crucial political assignments, including state elections.Shah said Pradhan helmed "bold reforms" by implementing NEP, placing emphasis on mother tongues, and making exams more inclusive and student-centric. He added, however, that the country and the young generation were more important to BJP than any office, saying, "Modi govt respects the youth's sentiments and is committed to necessary reforms against paper leaks."

Party president Nitin Nabin said BJP "stood firmly" with Pradhan."He played a pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape and successfully implementing the landmark NEP... Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life," Nabin added.The tributes are a firm indication that Pradhan remains a valuable figure for BJP despite his exit owing to political necessities.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said Pradhan's tenure reflected his commitment to transforming India into a developed nation. "His contribution to public service has been inclusive, foresighted, and aligned with the aspirations of a new India," he added.Another ministerial colleague, Kiren Rijiju, praised Pradhan for his dedication to strengthening India's education ecosystem. "Leading such a critical sector demands immense persever-ance, and he embraced it with courage and clear vision," he said.