Amit Shah Backs Dharmendra Pradhan After Resignation Over Exam Row

NEW DELHI — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday lauded Dharmendra Pradhan's decision to step down as the Union Education Minister, describing the move as an act of placing "nation above post." Pradhan’s resignation came on July 25, 2026, marking a significant development following weeks of nationwide student agitation regarding the NEET-UG examination paper leak controversy.

In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan expressed that he was stepping down to prevent the student protests from being exploited by "anti-national forces" and to ensure that the academic future of millions of students remained untainted by ongoing disputes.

A Political Climax Amid Student Unrest

The resignation followed intense public pressure and a sustained movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protests, which included hunger strikes and candlelight vigils, reached a turning point as demonstrators demanded accountability for irregularities in competitive examinations.

In the aftermath of the resignation, the government moved swiftly to stabilize the administration. Pralhad Joshi has since been appointed as the new Union Education Minister. Before his departure, Pradhan highlighted his four-decade-long career dedicated to educational reform, emphasizing that he took responsibility for the situation from the outset. He noted that the government had already initiated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, cancelled the affected examinations, and committed to transitioning to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) model by 2027.

Official Sources

The information regarding the resignation and subsequent statements is based on official announcements from the Union Cabinet, ministerial correspondence, and reports provided by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Statements from Amit Shah and the former Education Minister were documented through official press releases and verified communications on social media platforms.

Quote Section

According to officials, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the decision, stating that Pradhan’s choice to vacate his office demonstrated a clear prioritization of national stability over personal ambition. In his own letter, Pradhan wrote, "This is not a matter of personal prestige for me... It is my resolve that we will not allow the country's youth power to become trapped in a web of confusion."

Why It Matters

The departure of a senior Cabinet minister underscores the government's sensitivity to large-scale youth-led movements. For students and educators, the focus now shifts toward the efficacy of the newly appointed leadership and the government’s ability to restore confidence in India’s competitive examination system. The appointment of Pralhad Joshi suggests an immediate effort to provide continuity in the Ministry of Education as the nation navigates calls for further structural reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Key Facts at a Glance

• Resignation Date: Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down on July 25, 2026.

• New Appointment: Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Union Education Minister.

• Catalyst: The move followed weeks of protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET-UG paper leak.

• Policy Shift: The government has committed to implementing computer-based testing from 2027.

FAQ

Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign? Pradhan resigned to ensure students could focus on their studies without political disruption and to prevent the ongoing protests from being exploited by external forces.

Who is the new Education Minister? Pralhad Joshi has been appointed to succeed Dharmendra Pradhan.

What was the main demand of the protesters? Protesters, led by the CJP, had demanded accountability and the resignation of the Education Minister following alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), ANI News, The Times of India