Pradhan Resignation Letter: 'Anti-National Forces' Cited as CJP Protest Forces First Cabinet Exit

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan formally submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 25, 2026, marking the first Cabinet exit under pressure in 25 years of Modi-led governments.

In the letter, Pradhan defended his administration's handling of the NEET-UG examination crisis while asserting that his departure was intended to prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the public unrest centered at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

What we can verify

Official Resignation Submission. Pradhan tendered his resignation on July 25, 2026, following weeks of sustained protests over exam paper leaks. The Rashtrapati Bhavan confirmed that President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation on the recommendation of Prime Minister Modi.

Defense of Re-examination and CBT Transition. The letter outlines the Ministry's response following the May 3 NEET-UG leak, including handing the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelling the initial test, and holding a re-examination on June 21, 2026, for over 20 lakh candidates. Pradhan highlighted the decision to transition future NEET-UG exams to Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting next year.

Core Rationale Cited in Letter. Pradhan explicitly stated that his decision to step down was aimed at safeguarding national unity and ensuring that student grievances were not co-opted:

"To ensure that anti-national forces do not exploit the situation arising at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that national unity remains intact, that no student's future gets tangled in legal complexities, and that our children can focus their time on studying... I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister."

Acknowledgement of Student Distress. While defending the integrity of the July 16 NEET results, Pradhan acknowledged that recent developments had caused widespread distress among students and parents, writing that "looking at the sequence of events over the past 10 days, my heart is deeply distressed."

Full Text of Resignation Letter

"Hon'ble Prime Minister,

I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for more than 4 decades. It has always been my conviction that an empowered, inclusive, and forward-looking education system forms the bedrock of an empowered nation.

I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions, and legitimate expectations of the nation's youth. Fulfilling the dreams of India's young generation has been the moral resolve of our political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.

However, irregularities came to light during the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. Taking immediate cognizance, the Government of India handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a new date. Along with this, a decision was taken to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode starting next year.

During this time, our main priority was to ensure that the re-examination for over 20 lakh students was conducted smoothly. For this, work was carried out using a 'whole of government approach.' In this, state governments—especially district administrations—played a crucial role alongside the Government of India. With the cooperation of students, guardians, and parents, this exam was completed on June 21, 2026.

From day one, I took responsibility for this and never turned my back on the situation. My resolve was that we would not let any meritorious student's prospects be ruined by the examination mafia, nor allow injustice to happen to any student.

The NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds achieving success.

However, during this period, individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead several students, which deeply pained my heart.

I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and a deep respect for the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not just India's future, but the carriers, creators, and architects of a new and developed India (Viksit Bharat).

Looking at the sequence of events over the past 10 days, my heart is deeply distressed. This is not a matter of personal reputation for me. The youth power of India is the true strength of this country. My resolve is that we will not let the nation's youth power fall prey to a web of confusion and misinformation.

To ensure that anti-national forces do not exploit the situation arising at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that national unity remains intact, that no student's future gets tangled in legal complexities, and that our children can focus their time on studying and building their careers—considering all these factors, I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and continuous support. Additionally, I extend my thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, ministry officials, staff, and everyone with whom I had the privilege to work. Serving the nation remains the highest priority of my life, and I will always stay dedicated to it.

With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath Ji, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to serving Mother India, the people of Odisha, and fulfilling the aspirations of the country's youth in the future."

What remains unverified

• The identity of the "individuals holding responsible positions" referenced by Pradhan as having misled students during the agitation.
• Whether the decision to step down was taken independently by Pradhan or advised directly by the Prime Minister's Office following political assessments.

Cover image credit: Source: The Indian Express