Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Over NEET Paper Leak Protest: Who Said What After Education Minister's Exit

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his post on Saturday, 25 July 2026, following weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG examination paper leak. Demonstrators gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar had consistently demanded his resignation as one of their key demands.

The protests were led by 30-year-old Boston University graduate Abhijeet Dipke and his youth organisation, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Following Pradhan's resignation, several prominent figures, including Dipke and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, shared their reactions.

ALSO READ: NEET Paper Leak Protest LIVE: Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister

Sonam Wangchuk

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk reacted on X shortly after the resignation was announced, describing it as a victory for people-powered action.

"IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets."

ALSO READ: Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Talks With Centre; Photos & Videos From Medanta Hospital

Abhijeet Dipke The Student Leader Who Led the Charge

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), announced the resignation to protesters gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after posting "DEMOCRACY WINS!" on X.

"We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned," Dipke announced. "And this resignation is proof that if you people are not afraid, if you people do not bow down to this government, then we can take the resignation of anyone."

Dipke then paused the celebrations to observe a two-minute silence in memory of students whose deaths the protesters linked to the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

He also said the movement would continue until its remaining demands were addressed, including compensation for the families of affected students and accountability for the alleged use of force against protesters during earlier demonstrations.

ALSO READ: How Dharmendra Pradhan Rose From Student Politics To The Union Cabinet

TL;DR | News At Glance

TL;DR | News At A Glance

What was Abhijeet Dipke's immediate reaction after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned?

Abhijeet Dipke posted "DEMOCRACY WINS!" on X before announcing Pradhan's resignation to protesters at Jantar Mantar. He said the development showed that peaceful public resistance could hold those in power accountable.

What did Dharmendra Pradhan say after stepping down?

Pradhan said the recent developments had deeply saddened him and that his decision was not about personal prestige but about ensuring young people were not left in uncertainty.

ALSO READ: Before Becoming Education Minister, Did Dharmendra Pradhan Join A Paper Leak Protest In 1997?
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ALSO READ: NEET Protest Timeline: From The Alleged Paper Leak To Sonam Wangchuk Ending His 26-Day Hunger Strike