Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns After NEET Paper Leak, Protests Turn to Celebrations

Hundreds of students, parents, and activists gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Saturday to protest the NEET paper leak and the crackdown on protesters in New Delhi. Following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the atmosphere shifted from protest to celebration.

The protesters chanted slogans and distributed sweets. Many described the moment as a victory after a prolonged struggle. Prarthana, a working professional, said, 'The resignation feels like a victory after a long battle. We came up with songs and slogans on the spot and sang together.'

Shashank, a private college student, noted, 'I have been coming here for the past three days. The aim of the protesters was clear. Today our struggle has won. However, there should be an investigation into the police brutality against the protesters in New Delhi.'

Chinmayee, another student, said, 'If the governments ignore us, they will have to pay the price. The struggle should not end here. The next fight should be against unemployment.'

The All India Democratic Student's Organization (AIDSO) called the resignation an 'unprecedented victory' for students. Ajay Kamath, State secretary of AIDSO, said the united struggle will continue until the National Testing Agency (NTA) is abolished and those responsible for the question paper leak are punished.

Other student organizations, including the All India Student's Federation (AISF) and All India Student's Association (AISA), also called for larger reforms, such as the abolition of the NTA and greater protection of public education.

Educator V.P. Niranjanaradhya said, 'It is a relief that Dharmendra Pradhan has finally resigned in response to student protests. However, it is regrettable that students faced police violence.'