Education minister offered to quit twice before Modi government accepted resignation: report

Government feared another mass protest before accepting his resignation, India Today TV says

A protester holds a placard during a demonstration organized by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks, in Mumbai, India, on Jul 24, 2026 by Indranil Aditya via. REUTERS

Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as India's education minister on Saturday, had offered to step down twice earlier during student protests over the NEET paper leak row, but the government rejected both offers, India Today TV reports.

The English-language news channel cited sources saying Pradhan renewed his offer to resign at a high-level meeting of senior ministers on Jul 20, only for leadership to again decline it, urging him to continue driving reforms in the education sector.

Government sources say the leadership viewed resignation as an easy way out.

"A minister's resignation is the easiest option -- it is like walking away from responsibility. The Modi government believes in fixing problems rather than running away from them," India Today TV quoted a source as saying.

The government's position shifts after a second round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), when the group threatens another large-scale march similar to its Jul 20 "Chalo Sansad" demonstration.

Authorities are already on edge after students were injured in police action during that protest, with security agencies warning that "anti-national elements" are attempting to exploit the unrest.

Sources say digital monitoring identifies more than 400 social media accounts, including around 100 Instagram accounts allegedly run from Pakistan, amplifying the student protests.

Some of these accounts are said to have previously been active during Operation Sindoor, allegedly spreading misinformation targeting Indian security forces.

Separately, Delhi Police's facial recognition system flags around 400 individuals with criminal records at the Jantar Mantar protest site between Jul 20 and Jul 24, some allegedly linked to vandalism on Jul 20.

Ahead of a final round of talks with the CJP, the government concludes that national interest and public order must take precedence, sources say.

To help de-escalate tensions at Jantar Mantar, Pradhan then decides to resign, and President Droupadi Murmu accepts it.

Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi is given additional charge of the education ministry hours later.