‘Considering that anti-national forces…’: Read Dharmendra Pradhan's statement as he resigns after weeks of NEET protests

Published 25 July 2026 · local

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday, weeks after massive student protests broke out in Delhi demanding he step down over

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday, weeks after massive student protests broke out in Delhi demanding he step down over irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Announcing the decision on X, Pradhan said he was resigning with the future of students in mind. "The future of even a single student in India does not get entangled in legal complexities, and that our children invest their time in studying and focus on building their careers—considering all of this, I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister," he said. The resignation comes a day after representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) — the outfit led by Abhijeet Dipke that has spearheaded the protests — held talks with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Following that meeting, the CJP had said the government sought a day's time to decide on Pradhan's resignation. Pradhan's Full Letter (Translated From Hindi) Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What led to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister? ⌵ Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid ongoing student protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, which included demands for accountability and a call for his dismissal from the position. 2 Why did Pradhan emphasize the need to protect students during his resignation announcement? ⌵ Pradhan expressed concern that ongoing protests could entangle students in legal complexities, affecting their focus on studies and career-building, which motivated his decision to resign. 3 How did the protests impact the situation regarding the NEET-UG examination?

⌵ The protests, led by the Cockroach Janata Party, intensified due to public outcry over alleged paper leaks, leading to widespread unrest that ultimately pressured Pradhan to resign to ease tensions. 4 What actions did the government take following the NEET-UG exam irregularities? ⌵ In response to the irregularities, the government cancelled the NEET-UG exam that took place on May 3, 2026, and announced a re-examination while investigating the issue thoroughly. 5 Should students be concerned about political influences on their education? ⌵ Yes, Dharmendra Pradhan cautioned against political exploitation of student unrest, urging the youth to remain focused on their education and not be drawn into political disputes. In a letter addressed to "my young friends," Pradhan said he had spent over four decades associated with students, teachers and education reform, calling a strong, inclusive and visionary education system "the foundation of a strong nation." He thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve under his leadership. My young friends, I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for over four decades. It has always been my firm belief that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation. I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth. Fulfilling the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment in all of our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.