Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Amit Shah says ‘students more important than positions’; police clear protest site
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Celebratory scenes appeared at the Jantar Mantar protest site soon after education minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation on Saturday.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, bowing to mounting pressure after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. His resignation comes after sustained demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), student organisations and opposition parties, which had made his removal from the Union Cabinet the central demand of the agitation....Read More
Entry gates for all metro stations are now open, DMRC said. The Internet is back in the Jantar Mantar area as the CJP called off their protest.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday hit back at critics questioning his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, asking why he needed a "character certificate" for his commitment to the students' movement. His remarks came even as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a second round of talks with the Centre, which has reportedly given written assurances on some of the protesters' key demands.
Union Minister JP Nadda had said that the Centre will hold the third round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Sunday afternoon after discussions within the government on the protesters' demands.
Despite Wangchuk ending his indefinite fast shortly after midnight on Thursday, the atmosphere at Jantar Mantar remained charged. The protest site continued to draw large crowds, with people waiting between 50 and 100 minutes in a serpentine queue stretching up to Janpath Metro station on Tolstoy Marg. As reported by HT earlier, delegations of lawyers, farmer unions, NGOs and groups from neighbouring states arrived through the day carrying banners and placards in support of the agitation.
Meanwhile, 18 metro stations in Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as authorities tighten security amid the ongoing protests.
Wangchuk responds to criticism
In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk dismissed allegations that he had compromised with the government by ending his fast.
"After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight in which I have also lost muscle mass and my organs and brain reached the verge of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, about whose hands I broke it at, or whether I made a deal or not?... Shame on a country that produces such minds, from which such vile thoughts spring.”
The educationist and activist reiterated that there was no deal with the government. He said his foremost concern during negotiations was ensuring that students participating in the protests were protected from violence and legal action.
He also explained why he did not insist on Union education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation during the talks, saying preventing cases against protesters was the immediate priority. Wangchuk added that he believed Pradhan would eventually resign.
Why Wangchuk ended the 26-day hunger strike
Wangchuk said he agreed to end the fast only after the Centre provided written assurances and because he feared an imminent crackdown on protesters.
"Last night around midnight, I was told the ministers had agreed to give the assurance in writing. I was in a hurry because the situation in Delhi was such; there was apprehension that a major crackdown could happen. I was watching reports and was reminded of September 24, 2025, when police and CRPF personnel mercilessly fired at the youth of Ladakh. I was afraid something similar could happen here. I felt that if I ended my fast and appealed for peace, perhaps the situation could be diffused," he said.
The activist had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining the CJP-led agitation demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
CJP says government responded positively
Following a second round of discussions with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP leaders said the Centre had shown "significant in-principle agreement" on several demands while further talks would continue, reported news agency ANI.
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party placed four key demands before the government, including compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide because of the examination system and withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters.
Nadda, according to the CJP, told the delegation that another round of discussions would be held.
Why are people protesting at the Jantar Mantar?
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, are centred on allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination, demands for reforms in the examination system, accountability over the alleged paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
CJP's key demands
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- ₹1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
- No prosecution of peaceful protesters.
- Prosecution of police officials allegedly involved in excesses against protesters.
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- 26 Jul 2026, 05:21:16 AM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Visuals from Jantar Mantar as Delhi Police clears CJP site
- 26 Jul 2026, 05:19:59 AM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss calls for scraping NEET
Anbumani Ramadoss, president of Puducherry's Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha said former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is “welcome.” He also noted that NEET should be scrapped, arguing for a state-based structure for medical entrance.
“The resignation of the Union Education Minister over the NEET exam scandal is welcome,” he said. "The central government should completely cancel the NEET exam... If an exam is to incite suicides, then that exam is not needed."
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- 26 Jul 2026, 02:17:23 AM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Clearing work underway at CJP's Jantar Mantar protest site
- 26 Jul 2026, 12:02:00 AM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Home Minister Amit Shah reacts to resignation
भाजपा के कार्यकर्ताओं के लिए पद से कहीं अधिक महत्वपूर्ण देश, हमारी युवा पीढ़ी और विद्यार्थी हैं। आज केंद्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री श्री @dpradhanbjp जी का अपने पद से इस्तीफा इसी को दर्शाता है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 25, 2026
मोदी सरकार देश के युवाओं की भावनाओं का सम्मान करती है और पेपर लीक के विरुद्ध आवश्यक सुधारों के… https://t.co/p12wLKGUkm - {{^htLoading}}
- 25 Jul 2026, 10:59:11 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Prahlad Joshi's first reaction on becoming education minister
On being given the additional charge of the Education Ministry, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "...I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, many historic achievements have been made. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication"
- 25 Jul 2026, 10:41:55 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Alia Bhatt reacts to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
Actor Alia Bhatt was among the first Bollywood celebrities to react to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on Saturday following weeks of student protests over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Soon after the resignation was announced, several celebrities from Bollywood took to social media to speak about the protests and the role of young people.
The 'Raazi' actor reacted to the news on her Instagram Stories to praise the younger generation. The actress wrote, "Gen Z showed up! The rest is history."
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- 25 Jul 2026, 10:26:54 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: AISA President Neha Bora celebrates with dance
- 25 Jul 2026, 10:13:46 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Vinesh Phogat hails youth after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
Veteran Indian wrestler and three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat hailed the youth of the country, calling them the 'force that shapes the future' following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row, saying that 'democracy won and fear lost.'
Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, saying that he wanted to ensure that the protests over examination irregularities were not exploited by "anti-national forces."
In a post on X, Vinesh Phogat praised the youth-led movement, saying it reflected the nation's spirit and highlighted the courage of young protesters. She said the youth, guided by faith in the Constitution, emerged as powerful voices despite attempts to intimidate them.
"Yeh aandolan ne humein bataya ki desh ki aatma abhi bhi jaag rahi hai. Yuva sirf bheed nahi hote, woh bhavishya ki disha tay karne wali shakti hote hain. Sadkon par khade un bachchon ne humein sahas ka asli arth samjhaya. Haathon mein phool, dilon mein Samvidhan par vishwas tha. Jinhe daraane ki koshish ki gayi, wahi sabse oonchi awaaz bankar ubhre," she said. (This movement showed us that the soul of the nation is still alive. The youth are not merely a crowd; they are the force that shapes the future. Those young people standing on the streets taught us the true meaning of courage. With flowers in their hands, and faith in the Constitution in their hearts--those whom attempts were made to intimidate emerged as the loudest voices.)
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- 25 Jul 2026, 10:02:15 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CPI(M) hails student efforts compelling Dharmendra Pradhan to resign
Terming the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan a "historic victory" for agitating students, CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby on Saturday stated that the youth ultimately compelled the now former Union Minister to yield to public pressure after trying to avoid accountability for months.
Speaking to the reporters, Baby recounted the trajectory of events leading to Pradhan's resignation, saying that the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) along with activist Sonam Wangchuk demanded compensation to the bereaved families of students who died by suicide after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The other demands included withdrawl of cases against the protesting students. He noted that after continuous struggle and efforts, Pradhan was compelled to put in his resignation papers.
"This is a demand that Narendra Modi has been trying to avoid all along. Student organisations and the newly formed CJP leader, my friend Abhijit Dipke, Sonam Wanchuk; all of them have been in the struggle front demanding compensation to the families of those students who were compelled to commit suicide as a result of the corruption and anarchy in relation to the entrance examination," the CPM MP said.
- 25 Jul 2026, 09:30:55 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: JMM says 'just the beginning'
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Saturday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was "just the beginning" and claimed that more such resignations would follow.
"Pradhan's resignation is just a beginning. A series of resignations would follow soon, as the entire government is involved in malpractices. Every department is knee-deep in corruption and irregularities. Let us see how fast the ministers exit the Union cabinet," JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya told reporters. - {{^htLoading}}
- 25 Jul 2026, 09:21:08 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Centre set to introduce anti-paper leak amendments in Lok Sabha on Monday
Against the backdrop of high-voltage political drama, nationwide protests, and the recent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Central Government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh will move for leave to introduce the legislation. The Bill introduces seven key amendments designed to plug enforcement loopholes, establish dedicated judicial mechanisms, and accelerate criminal trials following widespread irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
The legislative push comes after a complete washout of the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, which commenced on July 20, as opposition parties and student groups maintained unrelenting pressure on the Centre over paper leaks.
- 25 Jul 2026, 09:07:38 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Police ask protesters to leave Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police entered the protestors' side at Jantar Mantar and are asking people to leave.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 08:50:55 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Tej Pratap makes 'special appeal' to Dipke to visit Bihar, help dislodge BJP from power
Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday urged Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke to visit the state and help dislodge the BJP-led government headed by Samrat Choudhary.
Yadav, who floated Janshakti Janata Dal after his father Lalu Prasad's RJD expelled him, made the appeal on social media, shortly after the CJP called off its protest in Delhi following the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
"I, Tej Pratap Yadav, make this special appeal to Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, that he come immediately to the land of Bihar," said the mercurial leader, who, incidentally, had ended up being detained by police earlier in the day for supporting a bandh called by Left-wing students' unions.
Yadav voiced concern over "current political situation" in the state to underscore the need for a "robust and strong people's movement" that could "uproot and throw out the government of Samrat Choudhary".
Yadav, who tagged CJP as well as Choudhary and the BJP's Bihar unit in the post, also promised "full and unwavering support of my Janshakti Janata Dal.... in this fight for change".
- 25 Jul 2026, 08:39:22 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CJP says Pradhan resignation ‘just a trailer’
After the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) withdrew its protest from Jantar Mantar, spokesperson Saurav Das on Saturday said that the outfit will continue to raise the youth's issues.
Meanwhile, the CJP has withdrawn their agitation, saying the decision was taken in "good faith" as the government agreed to its demands. Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the education minister following over a month-long protest across the nation.
Das told reporters, "Democracy has been restored. Democracies demand accountability, answerability. The youth of the country are the future; they have been able to restore it. This is a major victory. The youth of the country have withdrawn from this agitation; however, please stop the manner in which you govern by doing anti-Muslim, anti-Christian politics. Please work for the welfare of every community, including the students; only then will you have people's trust."
"This is just a trailer. The picture is still to come. The youth of the country have awakened. The youth of the country will solve all the problems in this country. As a party, as a movement, this is obviously not ending. Now we will go across the country, listen to the youth, bring the best policies for them, and continue to demand accountability from everyone. This is just the beginning. There is much more to be done," he added.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 08:31:33 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: ‘Violence never solves problems’, Anna Hazare says, stresses dialogue as CJP calls off agitation
Social activist Anna Hazare on Saturday highlighted that peaceful agitation and democratic dialogue are the only ways to address public grievances after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) called off the agitation in the wake of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Speaking to reporters in Ahilyanagar, the 89-year-old activist recalled his own history of civil agitation to emphasise that lasting systemic change comes through conversation rather than confrontation.
Underlining that public interest must always take precedence, Hazare highlighted his lifelong commitment to satyagraha:
"Any issue gets resolved through dialogue. Dialogue leads to solutions. Creating tension and going down the wrong path will not solve anything. Dialogue is the most crucial thing. I have conducted 22 hunger strikes, but I never resorted to violence. Things should be resolved through the medium of dialogue. The welfare of society, whatever is right should be done."
"I did 22 fasts, never used violence, and because of that, 10 laws were enacted. This is essential; creating violence is not right. Whoever the person may be, one should never indulge in violence," he added.
- 25 Jul 2026, 08:20:59 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Pralhad Joshi gets education ministry charge as Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation accepted
President Droupadi Murmu has accepted Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as education minister, and Pralhad Joshi will be getting additional charges. The development comes hours after Pradhan announced he has tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Joshi is currently the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 08:04:06 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CJP thanks Sonam Wangchuk, says his Gandhian satyagraha awakened entire nation
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday hailed activist Sonam Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike as the moral force behind the nationwide movement against alleged examination irregularities, saying his Gandhian satyagraha had "awakened an entire nation," hours after the organisation announced the withdrawal of its 37-day agitation at Jantar Mantar following an agreement with the Centre.
In a post on X, the CJP expressed gratitude to Wangchuk for lending moral leadership to the movement and credited his peaceful protest with uniting people across the country.
"Sonam Wangchuk's (@Wangchuk66) Gandhian satyagraha awakened an entire nation. Fasting for 26 days for the youth of this country was a pure and supreme sacrifice. It will go down in history as the moral force that united us all against impossible odds. Words cannot fully express our thanks for your contributions. We love you and are endlessly grateful for your satyagraha," the organisation posted.
- 25 Jul 2026, 07:49:24 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Pradhan put nation above self, Fadnavis says
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday praised Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for stepping down from his post, saying the BJP leader placed national interest above personal considerations.
In a statement, Fadnavis credited Pradhan with leading key reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), the launch of PM SHRI Schools, expansion of IITs abroad and conducting national entrance examinations in 19 languages.
"Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji has undertaken several important reforms in the country's education sector. He played a pivotal role in implementing the National Education Policy," Fadnavis said.
Referring to Pradhan's resignation, which came after the nationwide protests spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party over the NEET paper leak scandal, the chief minister said it reflected his commitment to the larger good of society.
"By submitting his resignation today, he has once again demonstrated that for a BJP worker, the nation always comes first. He placed the nation's interest above personal gain, which is the hallmark of a true BJP karyakarta (volunteer)," Fadnavis said.
"The entire BJP family stands firmly with him," he added.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 07:39:46 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: BJP veteran MM Joshi says ‘better late than never’ as Pradhan quits
A member of the BJP's Margdarshak Mandal (guiding council), the party's former president Murli Manohar Joshi reacted with “better late than never” to Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amid massive youth protests over exam paper leaks and other issues.
“I appreciate and congratulate all the students for their peaceful conclusion to the movement. I hope that now peace will soon be established in the world of Indian education and that the young people will have ample opportunities for their bright future and progress,” said Joshi, who also led India's education policy as minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP-led NDA government nearly three decades ago.
He also said he hoped the PM “will take an immediate and timely decision”, purportedly referring to formal acceptance of the resigantion.
- 25 Jul 2026, 07:20:48 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: All Delhi metro stations now open
All Delhi metro stations are now open for public after the CJP protest ends.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 07:07:27 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Rajnath Singh says Pradhan's resignation ‘testament’ to government respecting the sentiments of students and youth
युवाओं और विद्यार्थियों की भावनाओं को ध्यान में रखते हुए केन्द्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री श्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान ने अपने पद से इस्तीफ़ा दे दिया है। श्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान का इस्तीफ़ा इस बात का प्रमाण है कि प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदी जी और हमारी सरकार के लिए हमारे विद्यार्थियों और युवाओं…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 25, 2026 - 25 Jul 2026, 07:04:12 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: UN weighs in on Delhi demonstration; says ‘peaceful protest’ should be allowed without any ‘fear’
The United Nations has said it is "aware" of the students' demonstrations in New Delhi and that it is important that people wishing to protest peacefully be allowed to do so without any fear of harassment, arrest or injury.
Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, responding to a question on Friday about the UN's position on the youth-led protests in India, said, "We're obviously very much aware of the protests that we've seen in New Delhi."
"It is important that people wishing to protest peacefully be allowed to do so without the fear of harassment, the fear of arrest, or the fear of injury," said Dujarric.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 06:51:34 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Pradhan's exit joins short list of Modi govt's climbdowns since 2014
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on Saturday over the NEET paper leak controversy was not the sole instance when the Narendra Modi government yielded to sustained public or political pressure since coming to power in 2014.
The first major retreat came in 2015 when the government sought to amend the land acquisition law to make it easier to acquire land for infrastructure and industrial projects.
The move triggered widespread opposition from farmer organisations, opposition parties and several NDA allies, who argued that the changes diluted existing safeguards and were anti-people. The government eventually allowed the proposal to lapse. Modi announced that the existing law would remain unchanged.
Three years later came the first ministerial resignation under public pressure.
In October 2018, then minister of state for external affairs M J Akbar resigned during the Me Too movement after several women accused him of sexual harassment during his days as an editor. Akbar denied the allegations but stepped down.
The government's biggest policy reversal came in November 2021 when Modi announced the repeal of the three farm laws.
The laws triggered a yearlong agitation, with thousands of farmers camping at Delhi's borders demanding their withdrawal. Although the government consistently defended the reforms, it eventually gave in, with Parliament passing the repeal legislation.
In August 2024, the Centre withdrew a UPSC advertisement for lateral recruitment to senior civil services after objections from opposition parties and NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) over the absence of reservation provisions.
Another retreat followed in November 2025 when the government decided against introducing the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill after facing strong political opposition, particularly from parties in Punjab, which argued that the proposal would dilute the state's political representation.
Pradhan's resignation on Saturday marks the latest instance of the government conceding to pressure.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 06:28:46 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Internet restored at Jantar Mantar
The Internet is back in the Jantar Mantar area as the CJP called off their protest.
- 25 Jul 2026, 06:08:04 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CJP says will meet the government again in one month
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said a demand charter was submitted to the government, and the government has agreed to work on it.
“We will meet them again after one month,” he said.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 06:03:34 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: ‘Resignation of education minister alone will not resolve all problems’, Siddaramaiah says
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday cautioned against viewing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's departure from the Cabinet as a complete resolution to systemic issues in education and urged youth groups to maintain pressure on the Central government:
In a post on X, he said, "The resignation of the Education Minister alone will not resolve all the problems plaguing the education sector. As long as the masters of the school of authoritarianism and misrule remain securely seated in power, the departure of such disciples cannot reform the institution."
"Until Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has commercialised everything from politics to education, is removed from office, neither can the education system be repaired nor can India survive as a democracy. Therefore, the students and youth of this country must not stop with celebrating the resignation of one incompetent and corrupt minister. Their struggle must continue until the incompetent and corrupt government at the Centre is uprooted. The Congress party will always stand with the people in the fight to protect democracy and the Constitution," he added.
Siddaramaiah described the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a "victory for the awakened students and youth of this country," following weeks of sustained nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.
- 25 Jul 2026, 05:55:45 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Protesters continue to pour in
Despite the announcement of resignation and multiple announcements from the stage to slowly start leaving, scores of people continue to enter the protest site
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- 25 Jul 2026, 05:45:43 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CJP asks protesters to go home
We urge all protesters to go home as the government has accepted our demands, CJP's Saurav Das said after talks with the government.
- 25 Jul 2026, 05:40:02 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Ministers shake hands with CJP representatives
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- 25 Jul 2026, 05:37:10 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CJP says withdrawing agitation
After talks with the government, Cockroach Janta Party's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das says, " Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith, with the understanding that the agreed-upon terms will be executed within the agreed-upon timelines."
- 25 Jul 2026, 05:34:17 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: No FIR against protestors, govt accepts CJP demand
Cockroach Janta Party's National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said in a press confrence that one of the three demands have been accepted.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 05:22:20 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Mamata joins NEET paper leak protest in Kolkata after HC bars rally
Former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday joined a protest at Padmapukur in Kolkata in support of students agitating over the NEET paper leak issue after the Calcutta High Court refused permission for a proposed rally, with the demonstration triggering a confrontation between police and supporters of the TMC's Kalighat faction.
Police detained Beliaghata MLA Kunal Ghosh and student leader Baishwanar Chattopadhyay while attempting to disperse the gathering, prompting Banerjee to rush to the protest site before later proceeding to Lalbazar police headquarters on a scooter.
The protest was organised by the Kalighat faction of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), along with the party's youth and IT wings, against the alleged NEET paper leak.
The organisers had planned a march from Padmapukur to Moulali via CIT Road.
The Calcutta High Court, however, declined permission for the rally after the organisers approached it following the police's decision to withdraw an earlier permission.
- 25 Jul 2026, 05:18:03 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Pradhan should have resigned earlier, Congress MP says
Congress Member of Parliament from Sirsa and former Union minister Kumari Selja said on Saturday that the Centre's "adamant attitude" had worsened the situation over the NEET issue and that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should have resigned much earlier.
Selja said the move was delayed because many students had allegedly faced police action during protests, and India's image had suffered internationally.
"The issue could have been resolved earlier, but the Centre's rigid approach created such circumstances. The government should set aside its ego and listen to the voices of young people," she said. She reiterated the Congress's demand that Parliament function normally and discuss the alleged NEET paper leak issue.
Selja also demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against students during the Jantar Mantar protest, seeking compensation for the families of students who lost their lives during the agitation and free medical treatment for those injured.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 04:59:39 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Government, CJP talks continue
Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh are holding third round of talks with Cockroach Janta Party's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das and its National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.
- 25 Jul 2026, 04:49:39 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: BJP chief hails Dharmendra Pradhan
BJP chief Nitin Nabin said on Saturday that Dharmendra Pradhan, as Union Education Minister, “played a pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape” and hailed him for “successfully implementing” the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives.
“Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life. The party stands firmly with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji in this decision. I extend my best wishes for his future endeavours,” Nabin wrote on X.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 04:26:41 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Priyanka Gandhi says ‘lesson to every ruler’
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday welcomed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, stating that the people have begun to "claim their country back."
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation came amid the widespread protests against the NEET-UG paper leak in May, after which the re-examination was held on June 21.
Speaking to reporters in her Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi also lauded the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, her brother Rahul Gandhi, and the Congress for their role in the nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak.
The Congress leader said, "I am happy for many reasons. But the main reason is that today, July 25, 2026, is the day when the people of our country have started claiming our country back from those who tried to destroy the constitution and suppress the voice of our people. This is a victory for the youth of India; I am proud of each one who stood there. They have done it in the way Mahatma Gandhi taught us."
"This is a lesson to every ruler of the country; you have to listen to the will of the people. The will of the people is paramount; nothing is above it. No single leader, no dictator, no force can stop the will of the Indian people," she added.
She highlighted that Rahul Gandhi led the party and its student and youth wings in supporting the nationwide students' movement.
She said, "We in the Congress Party have tried our best to support them in the strongest way possible. Rahul Gandhi has been speaking about the issue of paper leaks and examination reforms for a long time. I think it has been more than two or three years that he has consistently raised this issue. I also want to compliment him because he raised this issue and inspired the rest of us in the party, the NSUI, and the Youth Congress, not only to support the students but also to build a movement across the country for students' rights and for reform of our education system."
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- 25 Jul 2026, 04:22:53 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Mamata Banerjee to join CJP protest in Delhi
Mamata Banerjee will go to Delhi on Monday to join the CJP protest.
- 25 Jul 2026, 04:16:47 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Protest update
Reports of checking near Hazrat Nizamuddin coming in. Protesters are being stopped, the report said.
Input by Jignasa Sinha
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- 25 Jul 2026, 04:14:51 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: How protestors reacted
"I feel really, really happy that he has resigned. Just now, we were being tear-gassed. On July 20, the police beat so many youngsters in the crowd. But despite that, our demand was met. It feels as if the accountability which we wanted has been given to us," said a protester, who recently joined the Indian army.
"The government and the police tried their best to stop us, but couldn't. This protest was important as we have to stand up against a wrong thing, and have to make the government wake up. The past few days have shown that Bhagat Singh, B.R. Ambedkar, and other figures are within the youth," said Lakshay Chauhan (23), who is pursuing his masters in Haryana, and came to Delhi for the protests.
"This is just the beginning of accountability in this country. This is how things should be in our country, but haven't been so in a long, long time. What has happened today is an impossible win; no one expected it. I have been supporting the cause and these children, but I knew that they were up against a very large system. This government has wasted a decade of youth by not using it properly, but the youth, such as my young children at home, are still the future of this country," said a woman at the protest, requesting anonymity.
Many people couldn't believe the news.
"I still cannot believe what has happened, and feel nervous that the announcement will turn out to be a lie. However, I cannot help but feel happy that this protest has actually been successful, if only partly for now," said Kabir Dwivedi (22), another student at the protest.
"We are very happy. This is the first time my friend and I came to the protest, and just before we heard about this, tear gas shelling was going on. We cannot believe that this has actually happened. I think that this will keep the government in check, because we have shown them that we can remove them from power. Going forward, a better education system should be put in place, and agencies such as the NTA should do their work properly," said 25-year-old Khushi Singh, a doctor.
Others also emphasised the need for many improvements in the country's education system. "This is an incredible victory, and it is the victory of students. However, there is still more to do. Similar officials across the federal government, such as at the state level, should be held accountable. The main problem is that corruption has gotten so accepted in this country. Many people in power are corrupt, and the public is aware of that and lives with it. The mentality of people has to be changed," said Ravi Rikhari (23), who works as a data analyst in Delhi.
"What does one person's resignation amount to? While it is an incredible achievement, it will not be enough on its own, as a similar person will replace Pradhan. Additionally, the issues that led to this protest were not only due to Pradah, but also to the improper functioning of multiple large agencies and the corruption of a large number of officials. Systematic change is required, otherwise this will only be a symbolic victory," said Khushi Chopra (24), who works as a video editor.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 04:04:12 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Metro stations reopening
Entry gates for Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations are now open, DMRC said.
- 25 Jul 2026, 03:59:18 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Protest site erupts in celebration with new posters and graffiti
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: The atmosphere at Jantar Mantar turned celebratory after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, with protesters replacing old placards with new posters declaring "Resigned" and "Knocked Out."
Many participants also scribbled celebratory messages on the back of old posters using markers.
In a scene reminiscent of the Patna protests, students were seen riding atop a police barricade as slogans and celebrations continued at the site.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 03:49:35 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Delhi police asks public to avoid travelling towards New Delhi
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: In an advisory, the Delhi Police said, “Citizens are advised to avoid traveling towards the New Delhi area due to heavy crowds and high traffic congestion observed across the district.”
“Commuters should use alternative routes to prevent delays and ensure a hassle-free journey,” the advisory added.
- 25 Jul 2026, 03:47:29 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Abhijeet Dipke's message for CJI, ‘Thanks for calling us cockroaches’
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: “Thanks for calling us cockroaches.” That was Abhijeet Dipke's message on Saturday to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, delivered from the stage at Jantar Mantar, minutes after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister under pressure from the movement that owed its origin and name to a remarks by India's top judge.
“I would like to thank CJI Surya Kant,” the Cockroach Janta Party founder told supporters, “If he hadn't called us cockroaches, I wouldn't have come to India. This movement would not have started.”
The comment traces the movement's arc back to its origin point. Read More
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- 25 Jul 2026, 03:41:03 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Congress' Kharge says ‘Now it is Modi’s turn to apologise'
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Congress leader Kharge took to X to congratulate the students protesters. He wrote, “India's ‘Students' Echo’ has finally reached the threshold of the arrogant power.”
“This is the victory of our millions of youth who raised their voices on the streets across the country to fix the education system. This is the victory of truth and the defeat of Mr Modi's stubbornness. This is the victory of all those families who lost their blood, their children, because this government is corrupt. This is the victory of the united opposition, who raised their voices from Parliament to the streets in the interest of the students.”
He went on to say that “Now it is Mr Modi's turn to apologise to our young generation and to take strict action against those who unleashed lathis, batons, and pellet guns on them.”
- 25 Jul 2026, 03:37:58 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Protesters celebrate Pradhan's resignation at Jantar Mantar
HT photo Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Picture shows protesters dancing after hearing the news of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on Saturday.
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- 25 Jul 2026, 03:30:55 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: CJP spokespersons leave for meeting with government
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka announced that the government has invited the protest leaders for a meeting, adding that he and Saurav would attend the talks.
Addressing supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar, Ranka said, "The government has called us for a meeting. Saurav and I are going. You should all wait here. We will return with the responses to all our demands in writing."
- 25 Jul 2026, 03:24:44 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Wangchuk hails Pradhan's resignation as 'victory of democracy'
Dharmendra Pradhan Resign LIVE: Reacting to Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Sonam Wangchuk called it "a victory of democracy" and said the development reflected the power of "direct democracy... straight from the streets."
Congratulating the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Gen Z and citizens across the country, he said, "It's a victory of peace, patience and perseverance. Thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation." Wangchuk added that while the resignation marked an important milestone, the movement would now shift its focus "from accountability, now to reforms."
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- 25 Jul 2026, 03:19:31 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan quits LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal calls Pradhan's resignation ‘big win for democracy’
Dharmendra Pradhan quits LIVE: Former chief minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister, calling it a “big win for democracy”.
He added, “Congratulations to the entire country on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Big win for democracy.”
- 25 Jul 2026, 03:15:22 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan quits LIVE: CJP updates their demands, says ‘still waiting on the rest’
Dharmendra Pradhan quits LIVE: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday updated their list of demands, highlighting that one of its four core demands has been met. The movement said it is still waiting for the government to fulfil the remaining demands.
The post on X said, "Demand Rooster Has Been Updated:
1. Dharmedra Pradhan must resign - ✅
2. ₹1 Cr to the families of all students who died by suicide - Pending
3. No action against any of the student protesters - Pending
4. Public Apology From RAF & Delhi Police - Pending
Jantar Mantar & Entire Country Is Still Waiting On The Rest Of The Demands."
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- 25 Jul 2026, 03:00:27 PM IST
LIVE: CJP's Abhijeet Dipke calls Pradhan's resignation a ‘big win’
Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar as protesters raised slogans of "Cockroach has won, democracy has won" following the latest development. Calling it a "big win", Abhijit Dipke said the outcome showed that "the country is run by the Constitution" and added that "this is just the beginning."
The CJP leadership congratulated protesters gathered at the site. However, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the protesters would continue their sit-in until they received written confirmation of the announcement.