Tripura CM says students led NEET agitation, rejects opposition's claim, backs Pradhan

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 27, 2026

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday said opposition parties, particularly those in the INDIA bloc, should not claim credit for the students' agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak, maintaining that the movement was led by students and not political parties.

Speaking to reporters, Saha said the Centre had responded to the demands raised by the protesting students and accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after engaging with them.

He alleged that opposition parties were attempting to portray the development as their political success despite having no role in the students' agitation. According to the chief minister, the protests organised by opposition parties were separate from the students' movement.

Responding to a question on accountability, Saha said Pradhan was not personally responsible for the alleged paper leak. He added that the issue had several dimensions and asserted that the central government would examine the matter thoroughly.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister paid tribute to Pradhan's contribution to the education sector in a social media post. He credited the former Union minister with advancing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, strengthening the country's education system and promoting skill development. Saha also described Pradhan as a committed public servant and wished him success in his future public life.

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