The government’s initial significant retreat occurred in 2015 when it attempted to amend the land acquisition law to facilitate easier land acquisition for infrastructure and industrial developments.
This proposal sparked widespread backlash from farmer organizations, opposition parties, and various NDA allies, who contended that the modifications weakened existing protections and were detrimental to the public interest. Ultimately, the proposal was allowed to lapse, with Modi announcing that the existing law would remain intact.
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Three years later, the first ministerial resignation under public pressure took place.
In October 2018, M J Akbar, then Minister of State for External Affairs, resigned amid the Me Too movement after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during his time as an editor. Akbar denied the claims but chose to step down.
The government’s most significant policy reversal occurred in November 2021 when Modi announced the repeal of the three farm laws. These laws led to a yearlong protest, with thousands of farmers stationed at Delhi’s borders, demanding their withdrawal. Despite the government’s firm defense of the reforms, it ultimately succumbed, and Parliament passed the repeal legislation.
In August 2024, the Centre retracted a UPSC advertisement for lateral recruitment to senior civil services after facing objections from opposition parties and NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) regarding the lack of reservation provisions.
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Another retreat occurred in November 2025 when the government opted not to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill after encountering strong political opposition, particularly from parties in Punjab, which argued that the bill would undermine the state’s political representation.
Pradhan’s resignation this Saturday represents the latest instance of the government yielding to pressure. His departure followed weeks of protests concerning the NEET question paper leak and several tragic suicides that ensued.
The agitation led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) prominently featured Pradhan’s resignation as its key demand, and following multiple discussions with protesters and a range of policy announcements, the Centre ultimately acquiesced.
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(Edited by : Jomy Jos Pullokaran)
