Why Did Dharmendra Pradhan Resign as Union Education Minister? Unpacking the Controversy!
Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Protests
New Delhi: On Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation from the position of Union Education Minister, coinciding with widespread protests regarding paper leaks across the country.
In his resignation statement, Pradhan emphasized his dedication to education and youth, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support. He framed his decision as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of examinations and safeguard students' futures.
This resignation follows a surge of protests demanding stringent measures against the recent paper leaks and irregularities in examinations, with Pradhan citing accountability as a key reason for his departure.
In his resignation letter, he stated, "For over four decades, I have committed myself to the advancement of students, educators, and educational reform. I firmly believe that a strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking education system is vital for a robust nation."
He continued, "I hold deep respect for the aspirations and expectations of our youth. Fulfilling the dreams of India's younger generation has been a moral obligation in our political and social endeavors. I am thankful to the Honourable Prime Minister for the chance to serve under his visionary leadership."
Pradhan noted that upon discovering irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, the government promptly initiated an investigation by the CBI, canceled the exam, and scheduled a re-examination. He also announced that the exam would transition to a Computer-Based Test format starting next year.
He remarked, "Our primary focus was to ensure a seamless examination process for over 20 lakh students. We adopted a 'whole-of-government' approach, with state governments and district administrations playing crucial roles alongside the central government. Thanks to the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully conducted on June 21, 2026."
Pradhan asserted, "From the outset, I accepted responsibility for the situation and remained committed to ensuring that no deserving student was hindered by the 'exam mafia' and that justice was served to all students."
He expressed concern over attempts by individuals in responsible positions to mislead students during the re-examination process, describing this as a source of "deep distress" for him.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026
He stated, "In light of the situation at Jantar Mantar and nationwide, I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister to prevent anti-national elements from exploiting the unrest, to maintain national unity, and to ensure that no student's future is compromised by legal complications, allowing them to focus on their studies and career paths."
Pradhan expressed sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for his "guidance, trust, and unwavering support" and to the Council of Ministers.
"Serving the nation is my utmost priority; I will remain dedicated to this cause. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to strive to meet the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of our country in the future," he concluded.