India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has tendered his resignation, a move that comes amidst intense pressure stemming from the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy and renewed threats of large-scale demonstrations. Sources indicate that the decision was influenced by growing concerns within the government regarding public order and national security, especially after a new protest call from the group known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Pressure Mounts Over NEET Scandal and CJP's 'Chalo Sansad 2.0'
Pradhan had reportedly offered to step down twice before during the student protests, but his resignations were initially declined, with the government emphasizing the need to focus on systemic reforms rather than ministerial exits. However, the situation escalated following the CJP's threat of a second 'Chalo Sansad' (March to Parliament) protest, reminiscent of the July 20 demonstration where several students were injured during police action.
Security agencies flagged concerns that "anti-national elements" were attempting to exploit the unrest. Digital monitoring reportedly identified over 400 social media accounts, with approximately 100 Instagram accounts allegedly operated from Pakistan, actively amplifying the protests. Preliminary analysis linked some of these accounts to past campaigns spreading anti-India narratives and misinformation.
Security Concerns Prompt Shift in Government Stance
Further intelligence revealed by Delhi Police's Facial Recognition System identified around 400 individuals with criminal records in the vicinity of the Jantar Mantar protest site between July 20 and July 24. Some of these individuals were also implicated in vandalism during the July 20 demonstration.
These security assessments, coupled with the CJP's renewed threat, prompted a high-level government meeting. The leadership, which had previously resisted Pradhan's resignation, concluded that national interest and public order necessitated a change. Pradhan's departure was seen as a way to de-escalate tensions around Jantar Mantar and prevent further unrest.
Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge Amidst Political Fallout
President Droupadi Murmu formally accepted Pradhan's resignation. Shortly thereafter, Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi was assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry.
The development has also ignited a fresh political debate in Punjab, where opposition parties including the BJP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal are now demanding the resignations of state Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Health Minister Balbir Singh. These demands are based on allegations of paper leaks and examination irregularities within Punjab, with the opposition drawing parallels to the central government's handling of the NEET controversy ahead of next year's Assembly polls.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab stated that cases of wrongdoing had been investigated and action taken, but did not specifically address the latest calls for ministerial resignations.