New Delhi: Following a period of intense turmoil in the capital, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was compelled to resign. Pradhan described this resignation as a step taken in the interest of the youth and the nation. Meanwhile, the central government promptly handed over the responsibility of the Ministry of Education to Pralhad Joshi. President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved assigning him the additional charge of the Education Ministry.
Pralhad Joshi will continue to hold the responsibilities of his existing portfolios; alongside them, he must now also manage the Education Ministry. Following the NEET paper leak, students—under the banner of the CJP had been demanding Pradhan’s resignation for quite some time. The CJP had even organised a march to Parliament regarding this issue on July 20, 2026, during which the situation in the capital had become volatile.
Pradhan’s resignation was accepted with immediate effect.
According to a notification issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation has been accepted with immediate effect, and the responsibility of the Education Ministry has been entrusted to Pralhad Joshi. This decision comes at a time when the student agitation sparked by irregularities in the NEET-UG examination had remained constantly in the headlines.
The protesters were adamant that they would not return home until the Education Minister resigned. The entire episode began on May 3, 2026, following allegations of paper leaks and malpractice in the NEET-UG exam, prompting students to question the transparency of the examination process. Gradually, the issue moved beyond social media and evolved into a major student movement. Amidst this, a controversy arose on May 15 regarding a remark made by CJI Surya Kant during a hearing.
Movement gains momentum with Sonam Wangchuk’s involvement
Social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk also arrived at Jantar Mantar on June 28, 2026, and began an indefinite hunger strike. He advocated for transparency in the examination system, a thorough investigation into the paper leak cases, and accountability measures. Onam Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated significantly due to his prolonged hunger strike. Government ministers visited the hospital and assured him that his demands would be met, following which he ended the fast.
Situation Escalated on July 20
The ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ organised a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, 2026. Reports of violence between protesters and the police emerged during the event. Several students sustained serious injuries due to a police lathi-charge. The opposition also fiercely criticised the government over the police action. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the government in Parliament, accusing the police of tearing the clothes of young women.
