Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Second Union minister to quit mid-term under Modi

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 25, amid ongoing protests over the NEET-UG examination paper leak. The resignation marks only the second instance of a minister stepping down mid-term since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government took office in 2014.

Pradhan's resignation comes two months after news of the NEET-UG paper leak emerged, triggering widespread demonstrations by students and opposition parties across the country. The leak, which compromised the integrity of the medical entrance exam, has led to demands for accountability and reform in the examination process.

Under Prime Minister Modi, cabinet resignations have been exceptionally rare. Ministers have typically been dropped during reshuffles, moved to other portfolios, or denied a berth in new councils of ministers. The only prior mid-term resignation was that of Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh in 2016, who resigned after a controversy over a political statement.

Pradhan, a senior BJP leader from Odisha, held the education portfolio since 2020. His resignation is seen as a step to take responsibility for the scandal, though he has not publicly commented on the reasons. The opposition has called for a thorough investigation into the paper leak and demanded measures to prevent future breaches.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in India's examination system, which has faced multiple instances of leaks and malpractices in recent years. Experts have called for stronger cybersecurity and more transparent processes to restore public trust.