After weeks of demands for his resignation by student protesters over NEET-UG paper leaks, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has finally announced his resignation in a letter. The letter says he has sent his resignation to PM Modi.
Pradhan said, “I am saddened by the events of the last 10 days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me. The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. I will not let the youth of the country get trapped in the vicious cycle of confusion, this is my resolve.”
Pradhan also said: “The situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and in the country, anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, the unity of the country should be maintained, the future of even a single student of India should not get entangled in legal complications, our children should spend their time in studies, focus on building a career, keeping this in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.”
Activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his hunger strike late Thursday night in the presence of Union Ministers J.P.Nadda and Jitendra Singh, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed stricter decisions in the Cabinet meet against paper leaks.
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8.20 pm: Pralhad Joshi new education minister
Union minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education, following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over NEET exam paper leaks.
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
5.45 pm: CJP calls off protest ‘in good faith’
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its protest with immediate effect, asking supporters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to disperse and return home. The announcement came during a joint press conference with the government, hours after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister—the CJP’s principal demand.
Addressing the media alongside Union ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka said the party was ending the agitation “in good faith”, expressing confidence that the government would honour the remaining demands.
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said, “Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith, with the understanding that the agreed-upon terms will be executed within the agreed-upon timelines.”
CJP said that the Central government has agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of the NEET aspirants who died by suicide and assured the FIRs lodged against protesters anywhere in India would be withdrawn.
The CJP has presented a five-point demand charter before the government and will hold the next round of talks after four weeks.
Nadda said, “This five-point charter, which you gave me, is related to reforms in education examinations. Regarding it, we have to say that we will think deeply about your charter for reforms in education examinations and after talking to your delegation, we will try to do whatever we can. So these were their demands. I think the government has sympathetically considered all the demands they had made and has also accepted them.”
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
5.30 pm: Better late than never, says MM Joshi
Reacting to Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi posted on X: “Better late than never. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation. I hope that the Prime Minister will also take an immediate and timely decision.”
“I appreciate and congratulate all the students for their peaceful conclusion to the movement. I hope that now peace will soon be established in the world of Indian education and that the young people will have ample opportunities for their bright future and progress,” he added.
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
5.00 pm: Protesters start leaving Jantar Mantar
All Metro stations shut in Delhi during the protests have now opened and Delhi Police personnel are urging protesters to vacate the site of the protests at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi.
Special Commissioner of Police, Law & Order, Devesh Chandra Srivastava said, “We are currently monitoring the dispersal. People have already started dispersing. We request the public to remain calm and ensure that they leave peacefully. We also urge everyone not to create any law and order issues. We are here to help them, and we appeal to everyone to maintain peace.”
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
4.30 pm: Proud of you, Rahul Gandhi tells students
LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has credited students with the Union education minister’s resignation.
In a post on X, he said: “Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is a huge step towards reshaping our education system. Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you.”
“Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future,” he said.
“Two demands still remain, the Prime Minister should apologise while respecting the students and India’s future, and action should be taken against those guilty of violence against students,” he added.
“For other sections of society—farmers, laborers, the poor, every person whom this government has suppressed and crushed—true courage lies in standing firm in a constitutional manner for one’s dignity. The time has come to remove this government. Don’t be afraid!”
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
4.20 pm: Govt meets CJP delegates after resignation
A delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club of India for their third round of talks, as the government continued its engagement with the protesting group following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak.
The third round of negotiations assumes significance as it comes hours after Pradhan stepped down from the Union Cabinet, citing the larger interests of students and the nation.
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
4.00 pm: Victory of democracy, says Sonam Wangchuk
Soon after the announcement of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, activist Sonam Wanghchuk posted from his hospital bed: “Direct democracy… straight from the streets. It’s a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. From accountability to reforms.”
IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY
direct democracy… straight from the streets.
It's a victory of peace, patience & persévérance.
Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation.… pic.twitter.com/rSLOfvba2R
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 25, 2026
Gitanjali Angmo posted on X: “If anyone has shown what it means for India to be a Vishwaguru, it is our Gen Z.”
“They have lived Sanatan Dharma, not preached it. Courage without hate. Strength without violence. Patriotism without blind obedience. Unlike many of their counterparts across the world, they have shown that you can stand firmly against injustice without burning your own country down,” she posted.
“Maybe it’s time the Hindu nationalist party learnt a thing or two from these young Indians about Hinduism, nationalism, and what it truly means to be a Vishwaguru,” she added.
If anyone has shown what it means for India to be a Vishwaguru, it is our Gen Z.
They have lived Sanatan Dharma, not preached it. Courage without hate. Strength without violence. Patriotism without blind obedience.
Unlike many of their counterparts across the world, they have…
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 25, 2026
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
3.00 pm: Dharmendra Pradhan quits
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned Saturday amid mounting pressure from student-protesters who have been demanding his ouster over NEET paper leaks.
In a post on X, the senior BJP leader said he has submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while noting that “the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and in the country, anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation.”
Pradhan said he will not let the youth of the country get trapped in the vicious cycle of confusion.
Pradhan’s resignation comes even though government sources categorically told the media Friday evening that he would not quit.
In his resignation letter, posted on X, Pradhan said, “The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. I will not let the youth of the country get trapped in the vicious cycle of confusion; this is my resolve. The situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and in the country, anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, the unity of the country should be maintained, the future of even a single student of India should not get entangled in legal complications, our children should spend their time in studies, focus on building a career, keeping this in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister,” Pradhan posted on X.
CJP protest LIVE UPDATES:
11.57 pm Friday: ‘Thank you friends’—another late night post by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted another video late Friday, this time on Instagram. He began with “Thank you friends”, adding that he was thankful for the way the public responded to his video posted the previous day and the constructive feedback they gave. “Aapka pyaar bana rahega, aur humaara naata, sakriyata se judta rahega,” he further said.
11.50 pm: CRPF airlifts 10 companies to Delhi
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Friday deployed an additional 10 companies in the national capital amid ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar, ThePrint has learnt. These companies have been drawn from four districts in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division and were airlifted to Delhi from Raipur.
The deployment comes on a day when the second round of talks between the CJP and the Narendra Modi government remained inconclusive. The government had sent two of its ministers—Health Minister J. P. Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitender Singh to hold talks with CJP representatives Saurav Dass and Ashutosh Ranka.
Read this report by ThePrint’s Mayank Kumar:
11.45 pm: After DU, JNU, now an appeal from Jamia
After Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) too issued an advisory Friday, cautioning students to stay away from the CJP protests.
Without specifically mentioning the ongoing agitation at Jantar Mantar, the university posted on X: “Nothing is worth placing at risk a future nurtured through such hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Success comes to those who exercise sound judgement and have the prudence to resist anything that proves to be an impediment in their future prospects.”
It added: “In keeping with the assurances of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India himself that the interests of the students shall be safeguarded and stern action will be taken against those who have played with the future of the students, JMI appeals to all its students and stakeholders to refrain from any activity that is not in keeping with the law. All are advised to act responsibly and exercise caution. Stay focused on your studies and academic responsibilities and be resolute in fulfilling your primary goal of achieving academic excellence and building a bright career.”
8.58 pm: NTA terminates 47 officials amid student protests
The National Testing Agency has sacked 47 officials and is set to pursue legal and criminal action against some as part of a major NEET paper leak crackdown.
This comes a day after Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was moved to the Panchayati Raj Ministry.
“The NTA is set to undergo an overhaul and more reformative actions will follow. At least 47 officials have been terminated, and legal and criminal action will be initiated against some of them,” an ANI report quoted a senior official as saying.
7.00 pm: ‘Resignation would mean running away’
The Centre has ruled out the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with senior government functionaries saying that his removal would amount to walking away from the problem rather than fixing it. “Resignation equates to running away, and running away is not a solution,” a government source said Friday.
5.45 pm: Rahul shows a protester’s pellet gun injuries to hit out at Centre
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi brought a protester with pellet gun injuries before the media Friday.
“My brother standing here was injured by a pellet gun while he was peacefully protesting, holding the Tricolour. The government has said that no pellet gun was used. His eye has suffered damage, and he has lost his vision. Thousands of such youth were lathi-charged, and pellet guns were used against them. He gave an exam for police recruitment, but one day he was told that the paper was leaked, you don’t have Rs 60-70 lakh, those who have, have bought the paper and left.”
#WATCH | LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi brings before the media a man he claims suffered pellet gun injuries during students' protest
He says, "I want to explain that my brother standing here was injured by a pellet gun while he was peacefully protesting, holding the Tricolour.… pic.twitter.com/TCQJ4OZJcu
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
3.12 pm: CJP-govt impasse continues over Dharmendra Pradhan
The government has asked for time till Saturday afternoon on the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, said Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka. The removal of Pradhan is among the three core demands of the CJP and its supporters. “We hope the govt will remove him soon,” Ranka said after emerging from a meeting with Union Ministers J.P.Nadda and Jitendra Singh. “The government has expressed in-principle approval on the two demands of compensation (for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide) and withdrawal of FIRs, legal cases on students,” he added.
#WATCH | Delhi | After meeting with the government, Cockroach Janta Party's National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says, "The government has asked for time till tomorrow afternoon on our demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. We hope the govt will remove him soon. The… pic.twitter.com/0zwUGAJ6W0
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
2.58 pm: Candlelight march at district level Saturday, says Cong
The Congress party announces candlelight march and satyagraha at district level on 25 July in solidarity with students on NEET/CBSE issues. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the Opposition was willing to sit down for talks but for that to happen, Dharmendra Pradhan has to resign first. All Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) heads were requested to ensure that march and satyagraha remain peaceful, the party said in a note signed by senior leader K.C. Venugopal.
Candlelight March and Satyagraha at District Level on 25th July 2026 in Solidarity with Students on NEET/CBSE Issues, Condemning Brutal Assaults on Students. pic.twitter.com/hK8XqG0IBd
— Congress (@INCIndia) July 24, 2026
2.32 pm: Govt must act, else stir will escalate, say protesters
Listen to what protesters have to say about the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.
Reporting by Mayank Kumar
2.28 pm: Kharge blasts Modi govt after DU, JNU advisories to students
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the Centre after the University of Delhi (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) issued advisories cautioning students to stay away from Jantar Mantar. He accused the government of turning academic institutions into “propaganda outlets” to “bully” students. In a post on X, Kharge accused the government of “denigrating” the universities, stating that this proves why students are on the streets. “Now you know why our youth are on the streets. Now you know how BJP damaged the Education system in the past 12 years!” he said.
Students are on ground zero, because Modi Govt is now using these much-respected universities as propaganda outlets to bully them.
Instead of making Dharmendra Pradhan resign and then start a meaningful discussion on the Education System, Modi-Shah have resorted to denigerating… pic.twitter.com/Kw4WbD0LeQ
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 24, 2026
2.20 pm: Spectacular failure of BJP media team, says writer Ratan Sharda
Author Ratan Sharda criticised BJP’s media and IT vcell, accusing them of failing to counter the narrative around the ongoing CJP protests and of misreading growing youth anger over issues extending beyond NEET. In a post on X, Sharda said the BJP’s communication strategy relied largely on memes and “whataboutery”, forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene with outreach efforts. But despite the criticism, the RSS affiliate reiterated his support for the BJP and nationalist forces.
NOTE: THIS IS MY PERSONAL NOTE, NOTHING TO DO WITH RSS
In the melee of #CockroachProtests we have not noticed the spectacular failure #BJP media team including ITCell. Total inability to create a narrative to counter hateful well crafted narrative of Left Ecosystem. They didn’t…
— Ratan Sharda 🇮🇳 रतन शारदा (@RatanSharda55) July 24, 2026
Read this report by ThePrint’s Neelam Pandey:
1.46 pm: No discussion before Pradhan’s removal, says Rahul
The Opposition was ready to discuss the paper leak issue in Parliament but Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has to go before any dialogue, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Friday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had invited MPs to discuss the matter, but he was not allowed to respond, Rahul said. “We are not going to have any conversation or discussion before the removal of Dharmendra Pradhan,” he told the media inside Parliament complex.
जब तक भ्रष्ट शिक्षा मंत्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान को बर्खास्त नहीं किया जाता – कोई चर्चा नहीं होगी। pic.twitter.com/6DcNCb5vmz
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 24, 2026
12.53 pm: CJP representatives leave for meeting with govt
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka leave from Jantar Mantar. The CJP representatives are scheduled to meet two Union Ministers shortly at the Constitution Club of India. The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is among the CJP’s core demands.
#WATCH | Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das and its National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka leave from Jantar Mantar. They are scheduled to meet Union Ministers shortly. pic.twitter.com/vqgDeZgYjE
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
11.46 am: Nothing short of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, says Dipke
Cockroach Janta Party’s Abhijeet Dipke signals hardening of stand, with the CJP founder president saying that he will stop nothing short of the Education Minister’s resignation. A CJP delegation is scheduled to meet two Union Ministers at the Constitution Club of India. “Our dharna at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. We are very relieved that Sonam Wangchuk has broken his hunger strike as it had been more than 26 days. His life is really valuable for this nation,” he tells ANI. “Nothing short of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is acceptable.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Founding President of Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke says, "Our dharna at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. We are very relieved that Sonam Wangchuk has broken his hunger strike as it had been more than 26 days. His life is… pic.twitter.com/SSyJANfcXA
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
11.34 am: JNU issues advisory urging students to avoid Jantar Mantar
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has issued an advisory asking all members of its academic community to prioritise their personal safety and refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar. The advisory, it said, is in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding public demonstrations. “Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct,” the advisory said.
Advisory
All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting…
— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) July 24, 2026
11.00 am: CJP sticks to its demand of Education Minister’s resignation
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) reiterates that the protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns from office. It is only by removing Pradhan that the Prime Minister can show that he is serious about the youth, says CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka. “At 12.30 am, the PM had to release a video, which means the pressure is high. The PM said that he will take very strict action. The strictest action can only be removing Dharmendra Pradhan. Before a meeting with JP Nadda, we will hold a press conference at 11 am,” Ranka adds.
10.37 am: AAP’s Kejriwal slams ‘hollow assurance’ of Modi
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal came out to slam what he called the prime minister’s “hollow assurance”. The mastermind of the 2024 NEET paper leak was declared innocent by the CBI in court, Kejriwal said in a video message on X. “If this is the kind of investigation to be done, if you have no evidence to present at all, then why the drama of fast-track courts?” There’s a flaw in the PM’s intentions, the former Delhi chief minister alleged.
कल रात को 12 बजे प्रधानमंत्री जी ने ऐलान किया कि पेपर लीक के लिए सोमवार को संसद में फ़ास्ट ट्रैक कोर्ट बनाने के लिए क़ानून लाया जाएगा।
मोदी जी का दिया आश्वासन कितना खोखला है, ये कल ख़ुद ही साबित हो गया।
2024 NEET पेपर लीक के mastermind को कल CBI ने कोर्ट में निर्दोष घोषित कर… https://t.co/PvpXjiJjQh pic.twitter.com/AuM1AODWnM
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 24, 2026
Also Read: TV news showed the CJP protest live. Then it rewrote the story on primetime
Srop giving too much importance to these political goons.
Only democratically elected people should be given importance.