After weeks of intense tug-of-war between the ragtag students’ group known as Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 25.
Pradhan, a 57-year-old BJP MP in Lok Sabha from Odisha’s western Sambalpur constituency, announced his decision to resign through a post on his social media account on Saturday, just hours before a scheduled round of negotiations between the Union government and CJP representatives. His departure marks a turning point in the weekslong standoff spreading across the county from its original protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as CJP had made Pradhan’s resignation its central demand.
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While the Modi government had agreed to two later demands of CJP — assurance that no legal action would be taken against demonstrators who took part in the violent July 20 protests, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the NEET paper leak — during discussions on Friday, government had remained silent on the issue of Pradhan’s resignation until Saturday.
Soon after Pradhan announced his resignation, security forces arrived at the protest site at Jantar Mantar in large numbers and tried to evacuate the CJP supporters from there, a move that can prove troublesome.
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Pradhan said in a post on X: “From day one, I took responsibility for this and never turned my back on the situation. My resolve was that we would not let any meritorious student’s prospects be ruined by the examination mafia, nor allow injustice to happen to any student.”
Full statement of Dharmendra Pradhan on Resignation:
My young friends, for over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation.
I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realising the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.
However, irregularities came to light regarding the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. Taking immediate cognisance of this, the Government of India handed the investigation over to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a date for a re-examination. Additionally, a decision was made to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode starting next year.
Throughout this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. This was achieved through a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, involving the Government of India, state governments, and—crucially—district administrations. With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026.
From day one, I took full responsibility and never turned away from the situation. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the ‘exam mafia’ or to allow any injustice to befall any student.
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The NEET-UG results declared on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds achieving success.
However, even during this time, individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students- an act that caused me deep distress.
I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India’s future; they are the torchbearers, creators, and architects of a new and developed India. I am pained by the events of the past ten days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me.
India’s youth power is the true strength of this nation.
It is my resolve not to let the country’s youth get ensnared in a web of confusion.
Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—with the aim of preventing anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers—I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.
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I express my heartfelt gratitude to the respected Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and constant support. I also extend my thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry, and all those individuals with whom I had the privilege of working. Serving the nation is the highest priority of my life; I shall remain forever dedicated to this cause.
With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well.
