Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned due to protests over exam rigging. He said that he has sent his resignation letter to PM Modi to prevent anti-national forces from taking advantage of the situation.
New Delhi [भारत]July 25 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday. He said he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that “anti-national forces” do not take advantage of the situation arising out of protests over exam irregularities.
In a letter shared on Twitter, Pradhan said, “The situation that has arisen in Jantar Mantar and other parts of the country should not be taken advantage of by anti-national forces. The unity of the country should be maintained. The future of every student of India should not be entangled in legal entanglements.”
“Keeping these things in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister,” he said. pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026
Resignation amid 26 day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar
Pradhan’s resignation comes amid widespread protests across the country over alleged examination irregularities and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
What did Pradhan say on his resignation?
I have always had an unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deep respect for the aspirations, dreams and expectations of our youth. They are not only the future of India but also the bearers, creators and architects of a new and developed India.
“My heart is saddened by the sequence of events of the last 10 days. For me, this is not a matter of personal prestige. The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. It is my resolve that we will not let the youth power of the country get trapped in the vicious circle of illusion,” Pradhan wrote.
defended the government’s action
Defending the government’s response to the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan said irregularities were found in the exam held on May 3, 2026, following which the Center handed over the investigation to the CBI, canceled the exam and announced re-examination.
“From day one, I took responsibility of the situation and never turned away from it. My resolve was that we will not let the future of any meritorious student be harmed and injustice be done to any student because of the examination controversy,” he said.
He said that the re-examination was successfully conducted for more than 20 lakh students on June 21 with the cooperation of state governments, district administrations, students, parents and guardians.
NEET-UG exam will be held in CBT mode from next year
Pradhan also said that from next year the NEET-UG exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Pradhan also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his guidance and support and said serving the nation remains the “top priority” of his life.
“I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments and legitimate expectations of the youth of the country. Realizing the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment of our political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for having had the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership,” he wrote.
Center will bring strict anti-paper-leaking law
Meanwhile, the Center is preparing to bring in a strict anti-paper-leak law, which will set up special fast-track courts and a special task force (STF) along with other key provisions to curb paper leaks across the country. (ANI)
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