CJP Demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Despite PM Modi’s Assurance of Swift Probe Into Paper Leak Cases
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has emerged as the leading force behind the nationwide youth protests over examination paper leaks, has reiterated its demand for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, rejecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurances that the government will take stringent action against those responsible for compromising the integrity of competitive examinations.
Prime Minister Modi, addressing the growing controversy, announced a series of measures aimed at restoring confidence in India’s examination system. He said the government would establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases, strengthen legal mechanisms against organised examination fraud, and ensure that those responsible for jeopardising the future of students face strict punishment. The Prime Minister described protecting the interests of young aspirants as a national priority and stressed that paper leaks would not be tolerated.
However, CJP leaders maintained that these assurances do not address the issue of political accountability. According to the organisation, systemic failures within the education administration have eroded public trust, and meaningful reform must begin with ministerial responsibility. Protest leaders argued that announcing reforms while retaining the Education Minister would fail to restore confidence among millions of students affected by repeated examination irregularities.
The movement, which began as a protest against the alleged NEET paper leak, has expanded into a broader campaign demanding transparency in recruitment examinations, stronger safeguards against organised cheating networks, and comprehensive reforms within the National Testing Agency and the country’s examination framework. Demonstrations have continued for weeks, drawing participation from students, job aspirants, civil society groups and opposition leaders across several states.
The political fallout has intensified as opposition parties have endorsed the protesters’ demands. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have publicly called for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, alleging repeated failures in safeguarding examination integrity and demanding accountability at the highest level. Meanwhile, the BJP has defended the government, arguing that decisive action is already underway and accusing the opposition of attempting to politicise the issue.
Despite one round of discussions between government representatives and protest leaders, no breakthrough has been achieved. CJP leaders have stated that demonstrations will continue until the government accepts their principal demand for the Education Minister’s resignation, indicating that the movement is likely to remain a significant political and social challenge in the coming weeks.
