Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday following Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests across the country demanding his ouster over the NEET paper leak issue. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Education Minister following Pradhan’s resignation.

Pradhan said it is not a matter of “individual prestige” for him. He said, “I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one,” adding that anti-national forces should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation at the Jantar Mantar and across the country. He expressed deep distress over individuals in “responsible positions misleading” students and creating obstacles for political gain. Reflecting on over four decades of service to educational reform, Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to the youth and the nation’s future.