Examination – Assam CM Defends Minister Amid Debate Over Daughter’s Protest
Examination –Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has come out in support of senior Cabinet colleague Keshab Mahanta after videos of Mahanta’s daughter taking part in demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination triggered political criticism. Sarma maintained that adult children should not be judged based on their parents’ political beliefs, adding that every individual has the right to hold independent views. He also appealed to the public to avoid linking a parent’s public role with the personal opinions or actions of their grown-up children.
Chief Minister Calls for Separating Family and Politics
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, Sarma said differences in political thinking within families are common and should not become the basis for targeting public representatives. Drawing from his own personal experience, he remarked that members of his own family do not always agree with him or follow his advice.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that he was disappointed by remarks reportedly made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi but stressed that disagreements expressed by adult family members should not become a reason to question their parents. According to him, political beliefs are personal choices, and it is neither fair nor practical to expect every family member to share the same ideology.
Focus Should Remain on Flood Relief Efforts
Sarma also pointed out that Keshab Mahanta is currently engaged in overseeing relief work for people affected by floods in Assam. He said placing additional political pressure on the minister because of his daughter’s participation in a protest would only distract him from his responsibilities during a challenging period for the state.
Explaining his position further, Sarma noted that once children become adults, they make their own professional and personal decisions. He suggested that parents cannot be held accountable for every opinion or action taken by their grown-up children and urged critics not to unnecessarily involve family members in political disputes.
Remarks on Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
The Chief Minister also commented on the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down following weeks of protests linked to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination-related concerns.
Sarma described the resignation as Pradhan’s personal decision but highlighted the former minister’s contributions to Assam and the country’s education sector. He said Pradhan had extended significant support to the state, including assistance in establishing the Indian Institute of Management in Assam.
NEP Contribution Highlighted
While discussing Pradhan’s tenure, Sarma emphasized his role in implementing the National Education Policy. He expressed confidence that future assessments of Pradhan’s work would focus on the long-term impact of the education reforms introduced during his time as minister rather than the political circumstances surrounding his resignation.
According to Sarma, the National Education Policy represents a major milestone in India’s education system, and Pradhan’s contribution to its rollout would continue to be recognized despite the recent controversy.
Background of the NEET Protest
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after sustained demonstrations over allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process. Student groups and several Opposition parties had demanded accountability, making his resignation one of their primary demands. The issue also led to repeated disruptions in Parliament as opposition leaders pressed the government for answers.
After stepping down, Pradhan stated that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of students. He also said the decision was intended to ensure that the ongoing protests over examination irregularities were not used by what he described as anti-national forces for political purposes.