ISLAMABAD: India's Education Minister Dharmandra Pradhan said on Saturday that he had resigned from his post after youth protests calling for him to quit.
The minister submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hours before the third round of negotiations between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Pradhan announced his decision in a post on X, marking a breakthrough in the month-long standoff between the government and protesters camped at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
In his statement on X, the minister said: "Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, to ensure that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation, that the unity of the country remains intact, that not a single student’s future in India gets caught in legal complications, and that our children can spend their time studying and focusing on building their careers, I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister."
The resignation had been the protesters' primary demand, with the CJP maintaining that no meaningful dialogue could take place unless the minister steps down.
Earlier on Saturday, party leaders reiterated that they would not participate in talks if the government refuses to remove Pradhan from office.
With the minister's resignation, the Centre has now accepted all three key demands put forward by the protesters, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, no legal action against student protesters, and compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy
On Friday, the Indian media reported that Delhi had reportedly agreed to the latter two demands but had not responded to the call for Pradhan's resignation.
In his statement on X, Pradhan further said: "I hold deep respect for the aspirations, sentiments, and rightful expectations of the youth of this country. Realizing the dreams of India's young generation has been the moral resolve of our political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for the opportunity given to me to serve the nation under his visionary leadership."
The latest development is expected to pave the way for fresh talks between the government and protest leaders, potentially bringing an end to the prolonged deadlock over the NEET paper leak issue.
Sonam Wangchuck
Activist Sonam Wangchuck, in a statement on X, calls the resignation of the education minister a "Victory of Democracy." He congratulated GenZ, and Cockroach Janta Party.
