NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down from his post following the uproar over the NEET exam leak scandal.
His resignation was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 25, 2026, after weeks of mounting protests by students, parents, and opposition groups. The demonstrations were led prominently by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had organized a massive rally at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20 demanding accountability and systemic reforms.
Pradhan’s exit marks a dramatic turn, especially since he had earlier ridiculed the CJP as the “Cockroach party.”
The protests gained momentum as allegations of irregularities in India’s largest medical entrance exam shook public trust, with over two million candidates affected. The government had initially denied any possibility of his resignation, calling it an “easy way out,” but the pressure proved overwhelming.
Adding to the confusion, a deepfake video circulated online falsely claiming Pradhan had already resigned, which the Press Information Bureau later debunked.
Despite misinformation and official denials, his resignation is now confirmed, underscoring the volatile mix of political pressure, student anger, and digital manipulation.
The Prime Minister has promised strict punishment for those responsible for the leak, while critics argue the government acted too late.
The resignation is seen as a major victory for the CJP and student-led movements, highlighting their growing influence in shaping national discourse. The focus now shifts to whether the government will overhaul the National Testing Agency and enforce tougher anti-paper leak laws, including provisions for ten-year jail terms and fines up to ten crore rupees.
Suggested headline: Pradhan Quits Amid NEET Leak Uproar; Ridicule of ‘Cockroach Party’ Backfires as Student Protests Force Resignation.
