NEW DELHI: Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after weeks of nationwide youth protests demanding accountability over examination paper leaks, handing a major victory to student demonstrators.
Pradhan announced his resignation in a post on X as police fired tear gas to disperse protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, just hours before protest leaders were scheduled to hold another round of talks with government ministers.
Pradhan says resignation aimed at preventing unrest
In his statement, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in view of the escalating situation across the country.
“Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister,” Pradhan wrote.
He added that he respected the aspirations and legitimate expectations of India’s youth.
“I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth.”
Protesters celebrate major victory
The announcement triggered celebrations among thousands of protesters gathered in central Delhi.
“We have done it,” said Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the youth-led movement spearheading the demonstrations.
Cheers erupted across the protest site as news of the resignation spread among demonstrators.
Weeks of protests over exam paper leaks
India has witnessed its largest street protests in years after allegations of question paper leaks in major competitive examinations triggered widespread anger among students.
The demonstrations began in June but intensified dramatically after police used batons and tear gas earlier this week to stop protesters marching toward Parliament, leaving dozens of students injured.
The movement has since expanded beyond examination reforms to include broader concerns over unemployment, corruption and government accountability.
Restrictions imposed in Delhi
Authorities continued security measures on Saturday by restricting mobile internet access and closing access to 18 metro stations in parts of the capital in an effort to limit the protests.
Despite the restrictions, thousands of students, youth activists and opposition supporters continued demonstrations demanding accountability.
‘Betrayal’: The young victims of India’s exam leak scandal
Senior BJP leader steps down
The 57-year-old Pradhan is one of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) senior leaders and has long been considered a rising political figure.
Since Prime Minister Modi first took office in 2014, Pradhan has served in several key federal ministries, including:
- Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Steel
- Skill Development
- Education (since 2021)
He is only the second federal minister to resign following a major public controversy during Modi’s tenure. The previous resignation came in 2018, when junior foreign minister M.J. Akbar stepped down after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during India’s #MeToo movement.
Activists welcome the decision
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently completed a 26-day hunger strike in support of the student movement, described the resignation as a victory for peaceful protest.
He wrote on X that Pradhan’s resignation represented:
“A victory of peace, patience & perseverance.”
Protests spread across India
In recent days, demonstrations spread beyond the capital to several Indian states, including:
- West Bengal
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
Students boycotted classes and staged rallies demanding Pradhan’s resignation and reforms to restore confidence in India’s examination system.
The nationwide movement, initially sparked by exam paper leak allegations, has evolved into one of the biggest political challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since returning to office for a third term.
