LIVE | Pralhad Joshi gets additional charge of education ministry; CJP withdraws protest
CJP requests all protesters to retreat, says govt has promised to provide in writing by Tuesday that no action will be taken against CJP or other protesters
In a huge victory for NEET protesters, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the Union education minister on Saturday (July 25), taking moral responsibility for the NEET question paper leak and the subsequent chaos that broke out in the shape of student's protests in Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and educationist-activist Sonam Wangchuk, which spread like wildfire across the country.
As the protests intensified, the Union Cabinet approved a draft Bill to ensure stricter punishments — 10 years' jail for paper leaks, fine up to Rs 10 crore — hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement. The draft Bill was approved in a Cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister at the Parliament House complex on Friday.
Also read: The latest developments LIVE
The Bill seeks an amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and proposes a minimum punishment of five years' imprisonment for individuals involved in paper leaks and/or a fine. It proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore in case of organised paper leaks.
Dipke, Wangchuk’s message
As Opposition leaders hailed this “victory of youth power”, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged people not to make him a hero for Pradhan’s resignation. “Don’t make me a hero because of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The country has been ruined because of making one person a hero...”
Dipke also said Pradhan’s stepping down showed that if people decide against bowing down before the Narendra Modi government, they can take the “resignation of anyone”. He asked people to raise their voice, which he said would keep the rulers “in line”. “Today, they consider themselves as kings while they are there because of us,” Dipke said.
Also read: ‘Don’t make me a hero, country ruined by making one person a hero’: Dipke after Pradhan quits
Later, the CJP held another round of talks with the government over their other two demands, including a compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of students who committed suicide in the wake of the NEET examination paper leak in May and an assurance that no legal measures would be taken against the CJP or any protester. The CJP withdrew its protest with immediate effect "in good faith" after the government agreed to meet all demands. The government has agreed to give it in writing on Tuesday.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving the Centre's written assurances, posted on X: “IT’S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY… direct democracy... straight from the streets. It’s a victory of peace, patience and perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS.”
Follow live updates of CJP's protest in Delhi, here.
Live Updates
- 25 July 2026 4:29 PM IST
Stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s resignation, 2 cops injured
Stone-pelting broke out at Jantar Mantar shortly after the announcement of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on Saturday, prompting security forces to lob tear gas and resort to a mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd, sources told PTI.
The clashes erupted after a section of protesters allegedly turned violent and hurled stones at security personnel. The source said that two police personnel sustained injuries on their head and they were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. The situation is now under control and adequate force remains deployed in the area, the source said.
- 25 July 2026 4:17 PM IST
Youth movement forced BJP to bow down, govt must end paper leaks: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stated that the government must take exams and education seriously, emphasising that the key lesson from this movement is to end paper leaks forever. He noted that the youth mobilised an organic, non-partisan movement that forced even the BJP to bow down, proving to be a massive victory that should now pave the way for leak-free exams and clear employment opportunities.
- 25 July 2026 4:10 PM IST
Will continue to protest till students concerns are addressed: Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the Congress will protest till the issues concerning students are addressed.
He said protests are integral part of democracy. His comments came as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned his position following massive protest over NEET paper leaks.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said the Congress will not stop its agitation till the concerns of the students are addressed.
"They (Centre) are unable to bear the embarrassment. The Prime Minister has finally opened his eyes. We have been demanding a discussion in Parliament that the Union minister should resign," he said. He was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's selfie video messages and sending team to meet activist Sonam Wangchuk and Cockroach Janata Party leaders.
Calling it an issue concerning the future of children, the chief minister said the BJP was unable to deal with the anger among students over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
- 25 July 2026 4:05 PM IST
Victory of students: Celebs after Pradhan resigns as education minister
Vijay Varma, Vir Das, Swara Bhasker, Varun Grover and many others from the world of showbiz on Saturday hailed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it a victory for the students who have been relentlessly protesting over the NEET paper leak issue.
Reacting to the minister's resignation, Vijay Varma shared a photograph of Pradhan on social media with the caption, "Accha chalta hoon... duaaon mein yaad rakhna," quoting the popular song "Channa Mereya" from "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil".
Comedian-writer Grover congratulated the students and activists who led the movement. "Congratulations India. The seriousness of @Cockroachisback, @SauravDassss, @abhijeet_dipke, @neha_aisa, Aameen, Manish, and the unhinged non-seriousness of the Gen Z memes has made the kings blink today," he wrote.
Vir Das shared a photograph with the caption "Friends" and followed it up with a message applauding the students. "You restored a single word of a tiny little sentence of that book we all read in school and forgot. You beautiful kids. Whatever the hell happens from here, you won. Now hurry up and celebrate," he wrote.
Actor Abhishek Banerjee changed his display picture on social media and posted, "DP CHANGE HO GAYI!! A big congratulations to GEN-Z. Also a big reminder that United we stand, divided we fall!!" Actor Saba Azad posted, "Chaatr ekta zindabad!!!" while Swara Bhasker described the development as a "Huge victory for students."
- 25 July 2026 4:01 PM IST
Proud yet anxious over son's ordeal, says CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke's mother
Anita Dipke, mother of CJP Founding President Abhijeet Dipke, expressed immense pride in her son's achievements at such a young age, despite the distress and sleepless nights his ordeal caused the family. She recalled her constant anxiety and loss of appetite after learning he was beaten and slapped during the protests, while ultimately expressing relief and pride at his impact.
- 25 July 2026 3:57 PM IST
Victory for direct democracy, now focus on reforms: Sonam Wangchuk
Activist Sonam Wangchuk hailed the recent developments as a triumph of direct democracy achieved through peaceful, patient, and persistent street protests. Congratulating the Cockroach Janta Party and the nation’s youth for overcoming fear, he urged the movement to pivot from demanding accountability toward achieving long-term educational reforms.
- 25 July 2026 3:53 PM IST
Sustained youth pressure stripped Pradhan of PM’s cover, forced exit: Congress
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the "incompetent, callous, and arrogant" Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was finally compelled to resign due to sustained youth pressure, which forced the Prime Minister to withdraw his political cover. He called the resignation a victory for a generation exhausted by a corrupt system and praised the solid unity demonstrated by the Opposition alongside the students.
- 25 July 2026 3:48 PM IST
Abhijeet Dipke's parents break down after Pradhan steps down
The parents of Cockroach Janta Party Founding President Abhijeet Dipke were overcome with emotion following the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- 25 July 2026 3:45 PM IST
CJP delegation reaches Constitution Club for talks with Union govt
A delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has reached the Constitution Club for the third round of talks with the Union government.
- 25 July 2026 3:40 PM IST
Pradhan's exit just the beginning as youth power prevails: Priyanka Gandhi
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed happiness over Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, crediting the youth and Rahul Gandhi's persistent campaign against paper leaks for inspiring a nationwide movement. She added that while this victory is only the beginning of reforming the education system, it demonstrates that the young people of India will no longer be silenced.
