Srinagar: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Saturday dismissed calls for the resignation of his cabinet colleague, Dharmendra Pradhan, regarding the NEET paper leak controversy. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Athawale insisted that significant action has already been taken against those involved in the irregularities.

"There is no need for Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. NEET paper leak is not a good thing for us, but it is not as if no action has been taken in this regard," Athawale stated. He further noted that multiple suspects have been apprehended in connection with the scam, with a notable number of arrests made in Maharashtra.

The Union Minister also addressed the ongoing hunger strike by social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been demanding accountability and the resignation of the Education Minister over the alleged leaks. While acknowledging Wangchuk’s right to offer suggestions on preventing future examination failures, Athawale urged him to end his fast, assuring that the government is committed to implementing measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Wangchuk, who has been fasting for more than 20 days, was removed from his protest site at Jantar Mantar and hospitalised on Saturday by Delhi Police following a Delhi High Court order for daily health monitoring.

With inputs from PTI