Governance endures only through consent of governed: Muralidhar

Rao who served as the general secretary of the BJP between 2013 and 2020 said at the heart of good governance lies the trust of the people.

His comments come two days after senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the Union education minister amid mounting pressure from student-protesters who had been demanding his ouster over NEET paper leaks. 

यह क्या बोल बैठे मुरलीधर जी?
भाजपा के अंदर क्या हो रहा है? https://t.co/rCOGpWJucB

— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 ಪವನ್ ಖೇರಾ (@Pawankhera) July 27, 2026

“Like the chariot of Dharmaraj Yudhishthir, which was said to move above the ground because of his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, governance must always remain anchored in integrity,” he posted on X. 

Joshi too had reacted after Pradhan’s resignation and said: “Better late than never. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation. I hope that the Prime Minister will also take an immediate and timely decision. I appreciate and congratulate all the students for their peaceful conclusion to the movement. I hope that now peace will soon be established in the world of Indian education and that the young people will have ample opportunities for their bright future and progress”. 

Better late than never. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation. I hope that the Prime Minister will also take an immediate and timely decision. I appreciate and congratulate all the students for their peaceful conclusion to the movement. I hope that now peace will…

— Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi (@DrMurliManohar_) July 25, 2026

Meanwhile, soon after Murlidhar Rao’s comments went viral and were picked up by the Opposition, including Congress leader Pawan Khera who asked — “What did Murlidhar ji end up blurting out?  What’s going on inside the BJP?—Rao clarified his post, and referred to his comments made right after Pradhan announced his resignation.

In this X post then, Rao had said that the decision of PM Modi reflects a steadfast commitment to the interests of the students and youth of our great nation. He had said that for the Modi government, the guiding principle has been clear: India must never be allowed to be divided on such issues. He had said that the objective throughout has not been to determine who wins or loses, but to ensure that the nation emerges stronger and united. 

“This is what I’ve said about the decision in the context,” Rao said, responding to Khera’s post on X. “This has always guided the govt led by Shri @narendramodi ji- to withdraw farm laws or now reforms on education… Our leadership is guided not by our adversaries but by Indian ethos.”

The decision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji reflects a steadfast commitment to the interests of the students and youth of our great nation. When the trust and confidence of the people are at stake, there can be no room for personal prestige or ego. The guiding…

— P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) July 25, 2026

In his post on X on Monday, Rao, who comes from an RSS background and has served as the national convenor of the RSS affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), also said no leader should go back on their word.

“Pran jaye par vachan na jaye—the ideal exemplified by Shri Ram—reminds every public leader that keeping one’s word is the foundation of public trust, he said. 

“This should remain the talisman—the guiding lamp post—for every leader entrusted with governance in India,” Rao added.

(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)

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