Education Minister Resigns Amid NEET Protests
India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following weeks of nationwide protests over the NEET examination paper leak, marking a major victory for youth-led demonstrators. In his resignation statement, Pradhan said he stepped down to prevent “anti-national forces” from taking advantage of the situation and expressed respect for the aspirations of the country’s youth.
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), gained momentum after allegations of exam paper leaks affecting nearly two million medical aspirants. Demonstrators celebrated the minister’s resignation at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, calling it a triumph for peaceful protest and accountability. Activist Sonam Wangchuk also described the development as a victory of patience and perseverance.
The movement has become one of the biggest challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with opposition parties backing the protesters. Beyond the exam controversy, the demonstrations have highlighted broader concerns over youth unemployment, corruption, and government accountability. Authorities maintained tight security in the capital, with internet restrictions and heavy police deployment during the protests.
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