Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as NEET protest leaders demand his exit

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday he has resigned from his position, handing a major victory to youth protesters nationwide who demanded that he quit to take responsibility for examination paper leaks. The anti-government protests represented the biggest youth challenge to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he came to power in 2014. Opposition parties have echoed the movement’s demands and have disrupted ​the monsoon session of parliament that began this week. The minister announced his resignation on X just as police fired tear gas to scatter young protesters in Delhi, hours before their leaders were set to hold another round of talks with ministers to push for the move. In a two-page statement shared on X, Pradhan said he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Considering the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country — that anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, that the unity of the country should be preserved, that not even a single Indian student’s future should get entangled in legal complications, and that our children should devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers — I have sent my resignation to the honourable prime minister,” The Times of India quoted the letter as stating. The self-named Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) youth movement, which has been at the helm of the protests, welcomed the resignation by stating on its X account, “Cockroaches won.. Democracy won!” A statement by CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke said, “This is democracy. He has resigned.” However, he added, “We have two more demands. We won’t go like this.” Addressing youth protesters, Dipke demanded that the families of all students who reportedly took their own lives after the exam leak should receive 10 million Indian rupees in compensation. “This [resignation] is for them,” he said, pointing towards a banner with the pictures of 20 students whom activists say died following the exam leak. Secondly, he demanded that action be taken against police officials involved in the July 20 crackdown on protesters. “Remember, do not mess with cockroach,” he cautioned. Dipke also called for all cases registered against students to be withdrawn. “We are cockroaches. Once it enters, it does not leave,” he quipped. Another post by CJP listed three demands as “pending”, with the third being a public apology from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Delhi Police. Dipke also urged his supporters not to turn him into a “hero” because of Pradhan’s resignation. “Do not make this mistake. Do not make me a hero because of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The country has been ruined because of making one person a hero.” He further said, “When we rise above Hindu and Muslim politics and talk about issues, then it will be good for the country.” Earlier in the day, CJP supporters had been continuing their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, the same key protest site where Indian police had fired tear gas and baton-charged demonstrators on Monday. ‘Not a matter of personal reputation’ “From day one, I took responsibility for this and never turned away from this situation,” the education minister asserted in his letter. Pradhan said the government took immediate notice when irregularities emerged in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) held on May 3. “The Government of India took immediate cognisance of this, handed over the investigation to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), cancelled the exam, and announced a new date for re-examination. Alongside this, it was also decided to conduct the exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode from next year,” he highlighted. In his letter, the minister also accused “certain individuals occupying positions of responsibility” of trying to mislead students and create obstacles. Pradhan stated: “I have always been an unwavering believer in the strength of our democracy and I have always held deep respect for the aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth. They are not only the future of India, but also the bearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India. “Watching the events of the last 10 days has saddened me. This is not a matter of personal reputation for me.” Pradhan concluded his letter saying, “My resolve is that we will not let the country’s youth get caught in a web of confusion.” ‘Victory of democracy’ Supporters of CJP, including the opposition Congress party, welcomed Pradhan’s resignation. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day hunger strike yesterday, hailed the resignation as a “victory of democracy”. “It’s a victory of peace, patience & persévérance,” he wrote, congratulating CJP and the Gen Z of India. “Thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation,” he added. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Lok Sabha member and sister of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, expressed Congress’s support for the youth movement. “The youth of India have started to take our country back from those who tried to suppress their voice… today is the day an undemocratic and oppressive government was forced to bend to the will of the people of India,” she wrote on X. Additional input from Reuters

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Soon after the news of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation broke, student protesters in Madhya Pradesh erupted in joy.A celebratory atmosphere was witnessed at Indore's Tantya Bhil Square, where hundred of students had been protesting for the past 25 days. The protesting students distributed sweets, waved Tricolour high, danced enthusiastically to patriotic songs, and raised slogans hailing student unity.They termed the Union Education Minister's resignation as the the victory of their long struggle and solidarity.Visuals of joy surface View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram Several videos of students celebrating surfaced on social media following Pradhan's resignation.One video showed students singing patriotic songs to the beats of the tambourine.Another video showed students raising the slogan, "Inquilab Zindabad."After this, the protest in Indore was called off.pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026 Cockroaches (Students/ GenZ) Celebrations at Jantar Mantar after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation. As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, saying he has sent his Resignation to PM Modi, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder… pic.twitter.com/969fiXdHC6— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) July 25, 2026 Delhi's Jantar mantar also saw a historic moment as after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation. As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, saying he has sent his Resignation to PM Modi, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke says, "We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned.. Kaun kheta hai Sarkar me istife nahi hote, hote hain.. Jhuktihai Duniya, Jhukane wale chahiye." Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister Ahead Of Crucial CJP-Centre Talks

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday took to social media to announce that he has submitted his resignation. Many celebrities have reacted to it, including Prakash Raj, who had joined the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The actor was supporting the protest from the beginning.After Pradhan posted on social media about his resignation, the actor tweeted, "Congratulations, my dear Cockroaches. Dear Sonam Wangchuk sir and every single one who stood by the youth. You have proved that you can bring a regime down to its knees (sic)." Check out the tweet below...Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️ my Dear Cockroaches.. Dear Sonam wangchuk sir and every single one who stood by the youth . You Have proved that you can bring a regime down to its knees . #justasking pic.twitter.com/efMYgbzxlf— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) July 25, 2026 Netizens React To Prakash Raj's TweetReacting to the actor's tweet, one user wrote, "Congratulations to every Gen Z, youth, and every single citizen who joined Cockroach Janta Party in this movement. Hum Rukne Vaale Nahi…. (sic)."Another X user wrote, "Thank you for being a real hero and fighting on the ground. When the police attacked your vehicle, I thought they were going to beat you, but you didn't flinch or run away. You stood your ground. Bravo, sir. Congratulations to you, too (sic)."CJP Jantar Mantar Protest News: 'VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY,' Sonam Wangchuk Reacts After Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister One more netizen tweeted, "Sir, you too played a major role in this war… Entire South India is proud of this Gen Z's achievement. And you stood as one of the mentors (sic)." Check out the tweets below...Bollywood Celebrities ReactMany celebrities like Sonakshi Sinha, Vaani Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Ayesha Khan, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, and others have reacted to Pradhan's resignation.Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister: Priyanka Chopra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal & Other Celebs REACTIn the past few days, many celebs like Salman Khan, Alia, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and others had posted about the student protest. Now, everyone is eagerly waiting for Salman's post on Pradhan's resignation.pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026 Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Pradhan shared a long note while announcing his resignation, and at the end he wrote, "I have submitted my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and unwavering support. I also extend my sincere thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officers and staff of the Ministry, and everyone with whom I had the privilege of working (sic)."

Activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday described Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as a "victory of democracy," crediting the outcome to weeks of peaceful protests led by students, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and citizens across the country.In a social media post, Wangchuk said the movement demonstrated the power of direct democracy, achieved not through confrontation but through peaceful public participation."It's a victory of democracy direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience and perseverance."IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACYdirect democracy... straight from the streets.It's a victory of peace, patience & persévérance.Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation.… pic.twitter.com/rSLOfvba2R— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 25, 2026 Congratulates CJP, Gen Z And CitizensCongratulating the CJP, Gen Z protesters and people who participated in the movement, Wangchuk thanked citizens for overcoming fear and standing up for accountability."Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation." View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Free Press Journal (@freepressjournal) His remarks came shortly after Dharmendra Pradhan announced that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.'From Accountability, Now To Reforms'While welcoming the political development, Wangchuk said the movement should now focus on bringing long-term changes to India's education system rather than stopping at individual accountability.CJP Jantar Mantar Protest News: 'VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY,' Sonam Wangchuk Reacts After Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister "From accountability, now to reforms."The message was shared a day after Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, saying he had received written assurances from the government and wanted to prevent any crackdown on student protesters.Photo Marks End Of Hunger StrikeAccompanying the post was a photograph of Wangchuk from his hospital bed after ending his fast. In the image, he is seen flashing a victory sign, symbolising what supporters described as the success of a peaceful, youth-led movement demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and broader education reforms.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday announced his resignation from the Union Cabinet, submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the political and public fallout over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.The resignation comes at a crucial juncture, just ahead of the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading nationwide protests over the examination issue. The party had consistently maintained that Pradhan's resignation was its "non-negotiable" demand, making the development a significant political moment.pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026 Open letter references NEET controversyIn a detailed open letter released after stepping down, Pradhan stated that he had decided to resign in view of the distress and uncertainty caused by the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.The controversy surrounding the medical entrance test has sparked widespread outrage among students, parents, and educators. Allegations of a paper leak and concerns over the integrity of the examination process led to protests across several states, with opposition parties and student groups demanding accountability.While Pradhan's resignation marks a major political development, the broader investigation into the alleged examination irregularities is expected to continue.DHARMENDRA PRADHAN RESIGNS!!!!!!!#NeetExamProtest #RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/5MKRBp5gpS— Shaurya Mishra (@ShauryaMishra01) July 25, 2026 Finally dharmendra pradhan ne resign kr diya pic.twitter.com/Y7DzGcyWt3— tanmay (@logicleftthex) July 25, 2026 Social media flooded with reactionsSoon after the announcement, social media platforms witnessed an outpouring of reactions, with hashtags related to Pradhan's resignation and the NEET controversy trending nationwide.Many users described the resignation as a victory for student-led protests and public pressure. One user wrote, "This is the power of youth." Another commented, "Gen Z has done it!"DHARMENDRA PRADHAN ACTUALLY RESIGNED WTFIS THIS A WIN OF PUBLIC FINALLY OMG pic.twitter.com/zdnRiSeyZ0— Prith || College Arc (@Ronin_VB_King) July 25, 2026 A widely shared post read, "DHARMENDRA PRADHAN ACTUALLY RESIGNED WTF. IS THIS A WIN OF PUBLIC FINALLY OMG." Another user simply declared, "History has been MADE."The online response quickly evolved into a meme fest, with thousands of users sharing humorous posts, political commentary, and celebratory messages reflecting what many viewed as a landmark moment in the ongoing controversy.BJP after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns pic.twitter.com/deVmFrhJhV— Sagar (@sagarcasm) July 25, 2026 So finally Dharmendra Pradhan have resign well done GEN Z #DharmendraPradhan pic.twitter.com/mdPXdlVvOU— Sarfroz Rock (@srock378) July 25, 2026 What lies aheadWith Pradhan's resignation now official, attention will shift to the Centre's upcoming discussions with the CJP and the government's next steps in addressing concerns over the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The outcome of the talks and the ongoing investigation are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of one of the country's most important entrance examinations.

The BJP leader’s resignation was the core demand of protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party political campaign and the Opposition.