📅July 25, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation ‘Not On The Cards’ as Government Backs Minister: Sources
Government sources have indicated that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is unlikely to resign despite continuing pressure from CJP-led protesters demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak.
According to government sources, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is not being considered, with the government saying it stands by the Education Minister. The CJP, which is leading protests at Jantar Mantar, has maintained that the agitation will continue unless Pradhan resigns or is removed. Talks between the two sides have reportedly produced progress on compensation for affected families and the withdrawal of cases against protesters.
Government Reportedly Rules Out Pradhan’s Resignation
The Narendra Modi-led NDA government is firm that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is not under consideration, according to senior government sources.
The sources reportedly said that accepting the resignation would be the easiest response to the controversy, but maintained that the government stands with the minister and intends to address the wider problems within the examination system.
“Resignation is the easiest decision to take. The government stands with the Minister.”
The government’s position creates a direct conflict with the CJP’s central demand, as the organisation has repeatedly said the protest will not be withdrawn unless Pradhan steps down or is removed.
Government Says NTA Problems Are Being Identified
A government source said officials were preparing a list of problems within the National Testing Agency and that corrective measures would be introduced.
The source also claimed that several gangs involved in paper leaks had already been uncovered and that further action was being prepared.
“The government is preparing a list of problems in the National Testing Agency, and these issues will be resolved soon. We have busted many gangs involved in paper leaks. More actions are in the pipeline.”
CJP-Led Protest Continues At Jantar Mantar
Student protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party have been camping at Jantar Mantar and demanding Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak.
The movement intensified earlier in the week after demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. Police used tear gas and carried out a baton charge as protesters tried to proceed beyond the permitted protest area.
Opposition parties have also supported the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation, adding a broader political dimension to the agitation.
Two Sides Remain Divided Over Accountability
Back The Minister And Reform The System
Government sources say Pradhan’s resignation is not being considered and that the administration is working to identify problems within the NTA, dismantle paper leak networks and introduce corrective measures.
Resignation Is Necessary For Accountability
The CJP says the Education Minister has failed in his responsibility and that the protest cannot end unless he resigns or is removed from office.
Pradhan Continues Official And Public Engagements
Amid the continuing protests, Dharmendra Pradhan has remained active in his ministerial and public responsibilities.
He has posted messages on X, including condolences following the deaths of public figures, greetings related to the Bahuda Yatra and a repost of the Prime Minister’s statement promising stricter action against paper leaks.
Pradhan also referred to discussions with Members of Parliament from Odisha on assistance for children affected by learning disabilities.
On July 22, two days after protesters marched towards Parliament, the minister addressed a two-day conference of Education Ministers from various states.
Minister Previously Called CJP A ‘B Team Of Disruptive Elements’
Relations between the minister and the protest organisation had already deteriorated before the latest round of talks.
In an interview with a National Channel on June 23, Pradhan described the CJP as the “B team of disruptive elements” and accused its members of acting against the system.
“Those who were rejected in democracy have come in disguise and are now after the system.”
The statement was criticised by protest supporters, who argued that it dismissed the concerns of students seeking accountability over examination failures.
Why The NEET Crisis Triggered Nationwide Anger
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test is one of India’s largest and most competitive examinations, attracting more than two million medical aspirants.
The examination was scrapped in May following allegations that the question paper had been leaked before the test. A fresh examination was subsequently held on June 21.
The controversy intensified public concern over the security of national examinations, the functioning of the National Testing Agency and the impact of repeated irregularities on students and their families.
Round Two Of Talks Between CJP And Centre
The CJP held a second round of talks with the Centre on Friday and again raised the demand for Pradhan’s resignation.
According to the CJP, the government asked for time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the resignation demand.
The Centre was reportedly represented by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh. The CJP delegation included national spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
“The government has asked for time till tomorrow afternoon on our demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. We hope the government will remove him soon.”
Compensation And Withdrawal Of Cases Accepted In Principle
The talks reportedly produced progress on two other demands raised by the protesters.
According to the CJP, the government expressed in-principle approval for compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and the withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases filed against students.
The organisation also wants assurances that peaceful protesters will not face similar legal action in the future.
- Compensation for affected families was reportedly accepted in principle.
- Withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases against protesters was also reportedly accepted in principle.
- The CJP is seeking formal written commitments on both issues.
- The resignation demand remains unresolved.
CJP Founder Says Only Resignation Can End Protest
Before the latest meeting, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterated that the agitation would not end through administrative reforms alone.
“If the government wants a solution to the protest, it is only the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.”
The statement underlined the group’s refusal to separate the issue of examination reform from the question of political responsibility.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After Negotiations
The Friday talks came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he had ended the indefinite hunger strike he began on June 28 in support of the protesters.
Wangchuk said he ended the fast after prolonged negotiations on various conditions and to help prevent possible violence.
The CJP has maintained that the end of Wangchuk’s fast does not mean the broader protest has concluded.
Government Makes Changes In Education Administration
In another outreach amid the controversy, the Centre transferred Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
New officials were also appointed to senior positions in the school education and higher education departments.
These changes come as the Ministry of Education faces criticism over the NEET paper leak and allegations of irregularities in the evaluation of CBSE board examinations.
Key Developments In The Dispute
The NEET examination is scrapped following allegations that the question paper was leaked before the test.
A fresh NEET examination is conducted for medical aspirants.
Sonam Wangchuk begins an indefinite hunger strike in support of the protesters.
Protesters attempt to march towards Parliament while demanding the Education Minister’s resignation.
The CJP and Centre hold a second round of talks, with progress reported on compensation and withdrawal of legal cases.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus will be on the government’s formal response to the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Although sources have indicated that the government has no intention of removing the minister, the CJP says it will continue the protest until that demand is accepted.
A written agreement on compensation and withdrawal of cases could reduce some tensions, but it is unlikely to end the confrontation unless the two sides find a compromise on political accountability.
• Whether the government publicly confirms that Pradhan will remain in office
• Whether the Centre provides written commitments on compensation and FIR withdrawal
• Whether the CJP accepts any compromise short of resignation
• Whether protests at Jantar Mantar intensify or spread further
• What reforms are announced for the National Testing Agency
