Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amid nationwide protests over the alleged leak of the NEET medical entrance exam question paper. The issue triggered widespread anger among students and parents, even after a re-examination was held and results were announced.
Protesters demanded strict action against those responsible for the leak and stronger safeguards to prevent future breaches. The agitation gained momentum after Abhijit Deepke of the Karappanpoochi Janata Party returned from the United States and began a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 20.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk from Ladakh supported the movement and reportedly observed a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for 20 days. Police later shifted him to hospital after his health deteriorated.
Tensions escalated when protesters and students attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to clashes, stone-pelting and a police lathi-charge. Opposition parties, including the Congress, criticised the police action, and calls for Pradhan’s resignation intensified.
In a social media post, Pradhan said he accepted responsibility from the first day the leak allegations surfaced and resigned to ensure that “exam mafias” do not ruin the future of deserving students. In a letter addressed to youth, he added that he stepped down to prevent “anti-national forces” from misusing the protests and to ensure students’ futures are not trapped in prolonged court cases, calling it a personal decision.
