Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Exam Leak Row

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday amid mounting pressure over the nationwide controversy surrounding alleged examination paper leaks and the government's handling of the crisis. The resignation marks a major development in a standoff that had been building for weeks.

His exit comes after weeks of protests by students and opposition parties demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system. The unrest centered on the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which triggered widespread anger among students and their families over the integrity of India's competitive examination process.

The pressure had been visible across multiple fronts. Opposition MPs had raised slogans in Parliament demanding his resignation, while civil society groups continued protests in Delhi, insisting that accountability at the ministerial level was "non-negotiable."

Pradhan, a veteran BJP leader from Odisha, had held the education portfolio since 2021 and was previously known for his long tenure as Petroleum Minister. His departure now raises questions about who will take charge of the ministry and how the government plans to address concerns around examination security and transparency going forward.