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Why is PM Narendra Modi refusing to sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan despite intense pressure from Opposition parties and student groups? Is it because of a calculated political strategy focused on maintaining his authority? Or is it to prevent a domino effect of ministerial accountability? Modi’s aides say PM Modi probably thinks that the demand for Pradhan’s exit will not stop with him. There is a good chance the protesters will change the goal-post to next seek the exit of Home Minister Amit Shah citing the police action of some unruly elements near Jantar Mantar. Can Modi afford to allow that scenario? Already, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and all those opposed to Modi may be toying with such a possibility. But it is well known that PM does not crack under political pressure. Sacking Pradhan would invite a “chain reaction” of “accountability” prompting the opposition and public to aggressively target other senior leaders such as Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari or Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Also, many senior BJP leaders believe forcing a high-profile minister to step down under public duress will be viewed as an explicit admission of failure of the Modi government. The BJP also thinks that elected governments with a parliamentary majority should not be forced into submission by street marches or hunger strikes. Till date the Modi administration has not capitulated to agitations, preferring to choose its own timing for changes or reshuffles rather than reacting to public ultimatums. But this time, can Modi resist the brewing storm?
