Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 12, 2023, as the Cockroach Janta Party ended its 36-day protest [1], [2].

The resignation marks a significant concession by the government following prolonged unrest over the NEET paper-leak controversy and demands for systemic educational reform.

The protest, centered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, concluded after the government accepted several key demands [1], [4]. These include the withdrawal of all FIRs filed against protesters nationwide, and the provision of compensation for families of NEET victims [2], [3].

Saurav Das, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, said, "The government has assured us that all FIRs against CJP protesters will be withdrawn and that compensation will be paid to the families of NEET victims" [1].

Government officials also committed to discussing broader reforms for education and examinations to prevent future leaks. This agreement prompted the party to call off the demonstration and led to the departure of the minister [1], [2].

Ashutosh Ranka, another CJP spokesperson, said, "We will now return to our homes, but we will continue to demand a transparent and fair examination system" [2].

Following the resignation, Pralhad Joshi was named as the new Education Minister [2]. The transition occurred hours after Pradhan's exit from the cabinet.

Sonam Wangchuk, a leader of the protest, said, "I thank the nation for standing with us; the fight for educational justice is far from over" [4].

“The government has assured us that all FIRs against CJP protesters will be withdrawn”

The resignation of a cabinet minister in response to a grassroots protest indicates the high level of public and political pressure surrounding the NEET examination integrity. By withdrawing legal charges and promising compensation, the government is attempting to stabilize a volatile situation while signaling a willingness to overhaul the examination system to restore public trust in national testing standards.