CJP Rejected Centre's Offer On Portfolio Change For Dharmendra Pradhan, Wanted Resignation: Report
CJP Rejected Centre's Offer On Portfolio Change For Dharmendra Pradhan, Wanted Resignation: Report Published By, Edited By Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 07:39 IST The
CJP Rejected Centre's Offer On Portfolio Change For Dharmendra Pradhan, Wanted Resignation: Report Published By, Edited By Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 07:39 IST The Cockroach Janta Party representatives maintained that only a resignation would satisfy the central demand of the movement. Rapid Read Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 came after weeks of mounting pressure over alleged irregularities and NEET paper leak. But before he stepped down, the Centre had explored a compromise: shifting him out of the Education Ministry while retaining him in the Union Cabinet, according to a report by The Indian Express. The report said Union Minister JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh sounded out Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had been spearheading protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, on whether a change of portfolio would be acceptable.
The proposal did not find favour with the protest leadership, which insisted that Pradhan’s complete resignation was non-negotiable. The report said that the delay in establishing sustained communication channels between the government and the protesters contributed to the deadlock and hardened positions on both sides. The agitation had begun in the wake of allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination and gradually expanded into a broader movement demanding accountability in the examination system. CJP leaders framed the campaign not merely as a protest against one minister, but as a challenge to what they described as systemic failures in recruitment and entrance examinations. According to the report, discussions within the BJP and the government had already begun shifting in the final 48 hours before the resignation. Some party leaders reportedly felt that Pradhan continuing in the Education Ministry had become increasingly difficult amid growing public anger and disruptions in Parliament.
The government had reportedly attempted to defuse the crisis through back-channel contacts and by offering concessions short of removing Pradhan from the Cabinet. The CJP, however, maintained that only a resignation would satisfy the central demand of the movement. The protest also acquired unusual political traction because of its strong social media mobilisation and its appeal among first-time voters and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations. Pradhan, a senior BJP leader from Odisha who has held several key portfolios including petroleum, steel, and education, eventually resigned after nearly five weeks of protests. Following the resignation, CJP leaders announced the suspension of their agitation, calling it a victory for student pressure. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry after Pradhan quit. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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