Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests
New Delhi, July 25, 2026 — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his position following weeks of intense student protests and a prolonged hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Background of the Protests The unrest began after the 2026 NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) paper leak, which students and parents blame for pushing several candidates to suicide. Demanding justice and accountability, activist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, supported by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by spokesperson Abhijeet Dipke.
After 26 days of fasting, Wangchuk ended his hunger strike on July 24 following talks with two federal ministers and appeals from dozens of members of parliament. However, CJP made clear that the broader protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Pradhan stepped down, even after Wangchuk's fast ended.
Escalation and Nationwide Marches During the height of the movement, one of India's largest protest marches in recent years moved from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament, drawing sharp police action, including the use of force and tear gas against demonstrators. The protests, dubbed the "cockroach protests," spread to major cities including Mumbai, Patna, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune, with citizens demanding the education minister's resignation over the exam leak scandal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during the crisis, promising a tougher law on examination paper leaks — the core issue driving the unrest.
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Pradhan announced his resignation in a post on social media, confirming he had sent his resignation letter to Prime Minister Modi. He stated that stepping down was "not a matter of personal prestige," and some reports indicate he cited a need to shield students from further legal complications tied to the controversy. This marks the first instance of a minister in the Modi government resigning under sustained public pressure.
As of Saturday evening, the Prime Minister's Office had not officially confirmed acceptance of the resignation, and no successor for the education ministry had been announced. Following the announcement, CJP leaders and students at Jantar Mantar celebrated the outcome, calling it a victory for the months-long movement.
