Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns After Youth-Led Protests

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25, 2026, following weeks of nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and systemic examination irregularities. The movement, spearheaded by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who conducted a 26-day hunger strike, centered on a long-term sit-in at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Tensions peaked during a July 20 march to Parliament, where security forces used tear gas, batons, and allegedly pellet guns to disperse crowds. The clashes resulted in over 200 police injuries and approximately 65 student injuries, including a 19-year-old who reportedly suffered vision loss. While the Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, reports indicated the Rapid Action Force was deployed and equipped with them.

To resolve the crisis, the government accepted several CJP demands, including the withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters and financial compensation for the families of students who died by suicide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to increase penalties for fraud and established fast-track courts. President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation, and Pralhad Joshi was assigned additional charge of the Ministry of Education.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, hailed the resignation as a victory for student power but continued to demand a formal apology from the Prime Minister and accountability for police violence. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke characterized the exit as a first step toward broader structural reforms in the Indian education system.