Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on Saturday, saying the decision was taken to safeguard students' future and prevent what he described as "anti-national forces" from exploiting the ongoing youth protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. His exit marks a rare instance of a senior minister in the Modi government stepping down amid sustained public protests and mounting political pressure.
Pradhan, whose resignation had become the protesters' primary demand, revealed his decision on X just hours before the third round of talks between the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the Centre. Ahead of the meeting, CJP leaders had declared that his resignation was "non-negotiable."
A few hours later, Pradhan confirmed his resignation through a detailed social media post, prompting celebrations at Jantar Mantar, where activist Sonam Wangchuk had launched his indefinite hunger strike and where the movement had gathered momentum.
Sources told India Today that Pradhan resigned on his own, accepting moral responsibility, and was not removed from office. The move is seen as the government's effort to allow him a dignified exit. The BJP leader from Odisha had served as Education Minister since 2021 and was reappointed after the party returned to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
What Dharmendra Pradhan said in his resignation
In his resignation letter, Pradhan stressed that stepping down was "not a matter of personal prestige." Facing criticism over multiple examination paper leaks, including the NEET-UG leak in May, he said he had accepted responsibility from the very beginning.
He said the developments of the past ten days had deeply saddened him and reiterated that India's youth remained the nation's greatest strength.
Pradhan said he had been determined to ensure that the examination mafia did not destroy the future of deserving students and maintained that he never distanced himself from the crisis.
Referring to the July 20 violence during the students' march to Parliament, which left over 180 protesters and police personnel injured, Pradhan said he had decided to resign after considering the larger national interest.
He added that his resignation was intended to prevent the situation at Jantar Mantar from being misused by forces working against the country's interests, while ensuring that students were not caught in legal complications and could return their focus to education and their careers.
The remarks appeared to indirectly target the Opposition, particularly the Congress, which had intensified its protests earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi and several Congress leaders were detained while protesting outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju praised Pradhan's contribution, saying he had worked sincerely to strengthen India's education system while keeping students at the centre of policy decisions.
Celebrations at Jantar Mantar
News of Pradhan's resignation sparked celebrations among protesters at Jantar Mantar, with many viewing it as the outcome of a month-long movement that had largely remained independent of political parties.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) celebrated the development on X, posting, "Cockroaches won, democracy won." CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi, using a popular dialogue from Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
Despite the resignation, Dipke said the protests would continue until two additional demands were met: ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and action against police officers accused of using excessive force during the July 20 crackdown.
Sonam Wangchuk, who became the face of the movement, described the outcome as "a victory of direct democracy" and ended his hunger strike after receiving assurances that no action would be taken against peaceful student protesters.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also welcomed the resignation, calling it a victory for India's youth and students.
Events leading to the resignation
Pressure on the government had steadily increased as the protests grew in size and intensity.
Even after Wangchuk was removed from the protest site and the July 20 crackdown, crowds continued to gather at Jantar Mantar, with demonstrations increasingly reflecting wider public dissatisfaction with government policies.
On Thursday, the government attempted to defuse the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts to ensure strict punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.
However, the announcement failed to satisfy protesters, who remained firm in demanding Pradhan's resignation.
The demonstrations also disrupted normal life in central Delhi, leading to the closure of 18 Metro stations and adding to public pressure on the government.
Amid the unrest, the government transferred the Education Secretary, marking its first major administrative action since the NEET-UG paper leak controversy began.
Later that night, Prime Minister Modi again addressed students through a selfie video, promising stronger action against paper leaks. He also announced plans to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to introduce tougher penalties, with the proposed legislation set to be introduced in Parliament the following week.
Highlights from Pradhan's resignation letter
In his letter, Dharmendra Pradhan said he had devoted more than four decades to the cause of education and remained committed to strengthening the country's academic system.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve as Education Minister and outlined the government's response after irregularities surfaced in the May 2026 NEET-UG examination, including handing the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the exam, announcing a re-test, and deciding to shift future examinations to a computer-based format.
Pradhan said the government had worked with state governments and district administrations to successfully conduct the re-examination for more than 20 lakh students on June 21.
He maintained that his priority throughout the crisis had been to ensure that deserving students did not suffer because of the examination scam and expressed disappointment that, despite satisfactory results being declared on July 16, attempts continued to mislead students.
Calling the youth the builders of a developed India, Pradhan said he was deeply hurt by recent events but insisted his resignation was intended to preserve national unity, prevent anti-national elements from exploiting the situation, and ensure students could focus on their education.
He concluded by thanking the Prime Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials, and everyone he had worked with, while reaffirming his commitment to public service and the aspirations of the people of Odisha and India's youth.
