CJP Refused Portfolio Change for Dharmendra Pradhan, Sought Full Resignation: Report

The Centre explored the possibility of shifting Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry while retaining him in the Union Cabinet before his resignation on July 25, but the proposal was rejected by protest leaders, according to a report by The Indian Express. The report said the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had been leading protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities, insisted that Pradhan's complete resignation was non-negotiable.

The report said the government's efforts to resolve the standoff through back-channel discussions failed as the protest leadership refused to accept anything short of Pradhan stepping down. The resignation came after nearly five weeks of demonstrations, growing public pressure and political scrutiny over the handling of the examination controversy. Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation: Former Education Minister Removes ‘Union Minister’ From X Bio Following Exit.

Centre Explored Cabinet Reshuffle Before Pradhan Resignation

According to The Indian Express, Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh reached out to Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), to assess whether moving Pradhan out of the Education Ministry while keeping him in the Union Cabinet would be acceptable.

However, the proposal did not receive support from the protest leaders, who maintained that Pradhan's resignation was the central demand of the movement. From Smriti Irani to Dharmendra Pradhan: A Look at the NDA Government's Education Ministry's Transitions.

The report added that delays in establishing sustained communication between the government and protesters contributed to the impasse, with both sides hardening their positions as the protests intensified.

Protests Expanded Beyond the NEET Row

The agitation began after allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination but gradually evolved into a broader campaign seeking accountability in India's examination and recruitment system.

According to the report, CJP leaders presented the movement as more than a demand for the removal of one minister, describing it instead as a challenge to what they viewed as systemic failures in competitive examinations.

The protests also gained momentum through extensive social media mobilisation and attracted significant support from first-time voters and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.

Political Pressure Grew Within the BJP

The report said discussions within the BJP and the government shifted significantly during the final 48 hours before Pradhan's resignation.

Some party leaders reportedly believed it had become increasingly difficult for Pradhan to continue as Education Minister amid rising public anger and repeated disruptions in Parliament.

The government is said to have explored multiple options to defuse the crisis, including concessions that stopped short of removing Pradhan from the Cabinet, but those efforts did not succeed.

Pradhan Steps Down, Education Ministry Gets Interim Charge

Dharmendra Pradhan, a senior BJP leader from Odisha who has previously held portfolios including petroleum, steel and education, resigned on July 25 after weeks of protests.

Following his resignation, CJP leaders announced the suspension of their agitation, describing the development as a victory for student-led protests. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was subsequently given additional charge of the Education Ministry until a permanent appointment is made.

The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered widespread protests across several parts of the country, with students and aspirants demanding greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of competitive examinations.

The controversy also led to sustained political debate and parliamentary disruptions, placing increasing pressure on the government to respond to concerns over examination integrity and administrative accountability.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 08:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).