- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister on Saturday, marking a massive victory for the Cockroach Janta Party-led youth protests that have rocked the Narendra Modi government.
- The resignation came after month-long protests demanding his removal over exam irregularities and NEET paper leaks.
- Pradhan's resignation was the main demand of the protesters camping at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for over a month.
- In his resignation letter, Pradhan stated, ‘India's youth power is the true strength of this nation’ and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
- The Cockroach Janta Party celebrated the resignation, stating, ‘Cockroaches won.. Democracy won!’
- The protests were sparked by irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, leading to a CBI investigation and cancellation of the exam.
- CJP leaders described the demand for Pradhan's resignation as ‘non-negotiable’ and warned of intensified agitation if the government did not act.
- The government had assured the CJP on two other demands but remained silent on the resignation demand until Pradhan's announcement.
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Education Minister on Saturday followed a month-long protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over NEET exam irregularities.3
Pradhan stated, "I hold deep respect for the aspirations, sentiments, and rightful expectations of the youth of this country." His resignation was a key demand of the protesters, who camped at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
The CJP had made it clear that "nothing short of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation or his removal from the Union Cabinet would be acceptable." The protests, which spread across dozens of cities, became a significant political issue, with the opposition supporting the movement.
Pradhan's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, while emphasizing the need to protect the youth from confusion.
Celebrations erupted at the protest site as CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared, "We have done it," highlighting the impact of student power in the political landscape.
The protests also called for no legal action against student protesters and compensation for families affected by the NEET paper leak.
The government had assured the CJP on some demands but remained silent on Pradhan's resignation until his announcement, which came just after the deadline for the government's response.
“The Cockroach Janta Party had termed Pradhan’s resignation non-negotiable and warned of intensifying protests; the government had set a 2 pm deadline, and he resigned at 2.18 pm. Jantar Mantar erupted in celebration, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declaring, ‘We have done it.’”
