Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid protests over NEET paper leak

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his position on Saturday (Jul 25). This came after nationwide protests that have been going on for weeks over the NEET paper leak. Pradhan announced his exit in a post on X ahead of the scheduled talks between the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders and the government. CJP has been leading protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar that drew thousands of students.

In his resignation statement addressed to the youth of the nation, Pradhan detailed his association and work towards education. He also narrated the NEET paper leak case and expressed his concerns over the issue. Pradhan said that he has taken the onus since the beginning, adding that he had been disturbed for the last 10 days by how things have unfolded.

Also read | ‘World needs someone to make it bow’: Abhijeet Dipke’s first reaction after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

The education minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he will continue to serve the country and the cause.

Dipke reacts

Reacting to the news of Pradhan’s resignation, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of CJP that was leading the students’ protests, was seen falling to the ground, pleased.

“It is said that resignations don't happen in this government. The world bows down; it needs someone to make it bow down.”

Earlier on Friday (Jul 24), both sides held talks at the Constitution Club of India for nearly two hours. Following the talks, CJP said that the government has asked for more time till Saturday afternoon to consider their demand for Pradhan’s resignation. Pradhan’s reaction came hours before another round of discussions between the two sides was scheduled. CJP has also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for every family of a NEET aspirant who died by suicide and withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases against students participating in the protests.