This decision follows President Droupadi Murmu’s acceptance of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers, effective immediately, based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recommendation.
Earlier that day, Pradhan stepped down from his role amidst nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party, who demanded his resignation over the NEET paper leak issue.
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In his resignation statement, Pradhan expressed that the events of the past week had “saddened” him and emphasized that this was not a question of “personal prestige.” He voiced his concern over the unfolding situations, asserting it was not an issue of individual honor.
Pradhan remarked that he did not wish for “anti-national forces” to take advantage of the circumstances. He aimed to ensure “the unity of the nation remains intact,” that “the future of even a single student should not be jeopardized by legal troubles,” and that students focus on their studies and careers.
“With these considerations in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister,” he stated.
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Pradhan is the second Union minister during Modi’s administration since 2014 to resign amid ongoing public controversy. The first was M J Akbar, who resigned as minister of state for external affairs in 2018 after sexual harassment allegations emerged during the #MeToo movement.
Pradhan’s resignation marks one of the rare instances since 2014 where the Modi government has bowed to persistent public or political demand—such as the 2015 decision to abandon proposed amendments to the land acquisition law and the 2021 repeal of the three farm laws.
First Published: Jul 25, 2026 9:04 PM IST
