Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his position on Saturday following nationwide student protests demanding his resignation over exam irregularities, especially the NEET-UG paper leak scandal.

Announcing his decision on X, Pradhan stated that his resignation was motivated by concern for the students’ future. He emphasized the need to prevent disruption caused by anti-national elements during protests at Jantar Mantar and around the country. The minister’s letter said, “To ensure that anti-national elements are not benefitted by the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their career, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister.”

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Student-led protests gain momentum 

The resignation comes after spokespersons from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, who spearheaded the protests, met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. The CJP had long been pushing for Pradhan’s resignation and welcomed the minister’s decision warmly. 

Following the announcement, the CJP shared a video on Instagram capturing celebrations at Jantar Mantar, with Dipke shown kneeling and using his phone during the event. The protest movement, which started last month, gained significant traction, especially after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike in support of the cause. 

Despite Wangchuk calling off his fast this week, the CJP remained steadfast in its demand for Pradhan’s resignation, making it clear that nothing less would be accepted. The party expressed their victory with the slogan: 

“The Education Minister has submitted his resignation. Chhatra Shakti Zindabad (Long live Student Power)!”