The resignation comes just hours before the Centre is scheduled to hold crucial talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose members have been demanding Pradhan’s removal as a precondition for meaningful dialogue.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi: In a dramatic political development amid the nationwide student agitation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just hours before the Centre is scheduled to hold crucial talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Pradhan’s resignation comes after weeks of mounting pressure from students, opposition parties and civil society groups demanding accountability for the alleged examination irregularities. His exit is being seen as the government’s biggest political concession since the protests erupted, with demonstrators consistently insisting that any meaningful dialogue must begin with the minister stepping down.
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Sources in the government said the Prime Minister is yet to take a final decision on whether to accept the resignation. However, the move is expected to dominate the agenda of the Centre’s negotiations with CJP leaders later in the day.
The CJP-led movement, which began as a campaign against alleged paper leaks in competitive examinations, has grown into one of the country’s largest youth protests, drawing thousands of students to Jantar Mantar. Protesters have accused the government of failing to safeguard the integrity of public examinations and have sought sweeping reforms, including an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Finally … Dharmendra Pradhan Resigned
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छात्र -युवा एकता जीती ✊👏 https://t.co/5XWq5TaeLE— Mriganka Singh (मृगांका) (@reach2msingh) July 25, 2026
The resignation also follows days of heightened political tension after the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march, during which clashes between protesters and Delhi Police left scores injured and triggered nationwide criticism over the use of force against students.
Government officials hope the minister’s resignation could help create a more conducive atmosphere for negotiations and pave the way for a resolution of the standoff. However, CJP leaders have maintained that their movement will continue until all their demands—including accountability for the alleged paper leak, action against those responsible for the police crackdown, and comprehensive examination reforms—are addressed.
Pradhan has not yet made a public statement on his resignation. The Prime Minister’s Office is also yet to issue an official communication on the development.
