Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid protests over exam irregularities

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, following weeks of protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The resignation came hours before the third round of talks between the CJP and the central government.

In a statement on X, Pradhan said he took full responsibility for the NEET paper leak and never turned away from the situation, but individuals in responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Opposition leaders welcomed the resignation. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called it a victory for millions of youth who raised their voices to fix the education system, and for families who lost their children due to government corruption. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described it as an acknowledgment that accountability in a democracy cannot be indefinitely evaded, noting that it came after weeks of peaceful protests by students, parents, and citizens. He also expressed concern over police brutality faced by young protesters exercising their democratic right.

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal called the resignation a big win for democracy and congratulated the youngsters.

The protests had drawn attention to alleged irregularities in examinations, with demonstrators demanding accountability and reforms.