Jubilant scenes unfolded at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. As news of the resignation reached the protest site, hundreds of students and supporters celebrated what they described as a major victory for the student movement.
Leading the celebrations was Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, who declared that the resignation marked a significant democratic achievement. Addressing supporters from the protest stage, Abhijeet Dipke used the popular phrase, “Jhukti hai duniya, jhukane wala chahiye,” claiming the movement had demonstrated that peaceful public pressure could bring political accountability.
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Celebrations Break Out at Jantar Mantar
Moments after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation became public, the atmosphere at Jantar Mantar changed dramatically. Students, youth activists and supporters applauded, chanted slogans and celebrated what they viewed as the first major success of the nationwide protest movement.
According to reports, Abhijeet Dipke informed the gathering that the Education Minister had stepped down, following which loud cheers echoed across the protest site. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters waving the national flag, embracing one another and celebrating the announcement.
‘We Have Done It,’ Says Abhijeet Dipke
Speaking from the stage, Abhijeet Dipke said the resignation proved that determined democratic movements could achieve results.
He told supporters that many people had earlier claimed ministers in the present government never resigned, but argued that sustained public pressure had changed that perception.
According to reports, Abhijeet Dipke said:
“They used to say resignations don’t happen in this government. I say, ‘Jhukti hai duniya, jhukane wala chahiye.’ We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned.”
He described the resignation as a victory for democracy rather than a victory for any individual or political organisation.
Victory Dedicated to Students
Abhijeet Dipke dedicated the moment to students who had participated in the protests and to those whose families were affected during the controversy.
He said the movement had always been centred on protecting students’ interests and demanding greater accountability in India’s competitive examination system.
The resignation, according to Abhijeet Dipke, represented recognition of the concerns repeatedly raised by students and protesters across the country.
CJP Continues to Press Remaining Demands
While welcoming the resignation, the Cockroach Janta Party clarified that its agitation would not end immediately.
According to Abhijeet Dipke, one of the movement’s primary demands had now been fulfilled, but two important demands remained outstanding.
The organisation reiterated its demand that:
- Families of students who allegedly died by suicide during the NEET controversy should receive ₹1 crore compensation each.
- Cases registered against protesting students and student leaders during demonstrations across the country should be withdrawn.
Dipke stated that the movement would continue peacefully until these demands were addressed.
‘We Are Not Leaving So Easily’
Addressing supporters, Dipke also delivered a message aimed at encouraging continued participation in the movement.
He said:
“We are cockroaches. We are not leaving so easily. In democracy, don’t be afraid—learn to speak.”
His remarks reflected the organisation’s position that democratic participation should continue beyond the resignation of the Education Minister.
CJP also issued a statement on its official social media platforms saying that the struggle would continue until its remaining demands were fulfilled.
Background: NEET Protest Movement
The demonstrations began over allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Students, activists and several organisations demanded greater transparency, stronger safeguards against paper leaks and institutional reforms aimed at protecting the credibility of competitive examinations.
As the protests expanded, demands also included political accountability from senior officials responsible for the education system.
The movement gradually gained national attention, drawing participation from students across multiple states and prompting extensive public debate on examination reforms.
Dharmendra Pradhan Announces Resignation
Earlier on Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan announced that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his resignation letter, he said the decision was “not a matter of personal prestige” and explained that he wanted to ensure students could focus on their education while preventing further political and legal complications.
Pradhan also defended the government’s response to the NEET controversy, highlighting steps such as the CBI investigation, cancellation of the examination and plans for future reforms.
A Significant Political Development
Political observers described the resignation as one of the most significant developments arising from the nationwide student protests.
Reports noted that sustained demonstrations, including those at Jantar Mantar, kept pressure on the government for several weeks before the minister stepped down.
The resignation has become a central moment in the ongoing debate over examination integrity, institutional accountability and education reforms in India.
Attention Turns to Future Reforms
With Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation now confirmed, attention is expected to shift toward the government’s next steps.
Students and education stakeholders are likely to watch closely for announcements regarding leadership changes in the Ministry of Education and implementation of promised reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the competitive examination system.
At the same time, CJP leaders have made it clear that they intend to continue peaceful demonstrations until their remaining demands receive a response.
The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has become a defining moment in the nationwide movement surrounding the NEET-UG controversy. At Jantar Mantar, the announcement triggered celebrations among protesters, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke describing the development as a victory for democracy and evidence that peaceful public movements can influence governance.
Even as demonstrators welcomed the resignation, protest organisers stressed that their campaign is not over. With demands for compensation to affected families and withdrawal of cases against protesting students still pending, the movement now enters a new phase focused on broader educational reforms and accountability. As events continue to unfold, both the government’s response and the future direction of the protest movement are expected to remain under close public scrutiny.
