Education Minister Pradhan resigns, ending 36-day protest

A sprawling 36-day protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar concluded on Saturday, July 25, 2026, after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid public outrage over irregularities in national competitive exams, including the NEET paper leak. The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), ended with celebratory scenes as demonstrators declared a victory for peaceful public mobilization.

The agitation, which began on June 20, intensified following police action against demonstrators on July 20 and drew support from various student organizations and activists. The CJP announced its withdrawal on Saturday evening after the government agreed to its remaining demands, which included compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and the withdrawal of police complaints against protesters. Pradhan’s resignation came a day after the central government announced measures to address examination irregularities, including a proposed law for stringent punishment for paper leaks and the establishment of fast-track courts.

As news of the resignation spread on Saturday afternoon, the protest site transformed into a...