'Thank You For Relentless Service': Govt's First Reaction After Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

Last Updated:July 25, 2026, 17:21 IST

Kiren Rijiju said that leading such a critical sector requires immense perseverance, noting that Pradhan embraced the role with "courage & clear vision".

After Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the Union Education Minister, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praised his colleague’s contribution to public service, student welfare and education reforms.

In a post on X, Rijiju reflected on their time together in the Union Cabinet and lauded Pradhan’s efforts to strengthen India’s education system and empower the country’s youth.

“True leadership is measured over decades & @dpradhanbjp ji’s journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life & student welfare," Rijiju wrote.

He said leading the education sector requires immense perseverance and added that Pradhan took on the responsibility with “courage & clear vision", while keeping the interests of millions of students at the centre of every policy decision.

Thanking Pradhan for his contribution, Rijiju wished him well for the future and expressed gratitude for his “relentless service," commitment to reforms and efforts towards building a stronger India.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on Friday amid mounting pressure over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. In his resignation post, Pradhan said he had dedicated more than four decades to students, teachers and educational reforms, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve as education minister.

Acknowledging irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, Pradhan said he had never shied away from responsibility. “My resolve was that no deserving student should suffer because of examination mafias and no student should face injustice," he wrote.

He further alleged that “some people holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles by misleading students" and added, “The developments of the last 10 days have saddened me. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me. India’s youth power is the true strength of this country."

His resignation came 50 days after the Collective for Judicial Probity (CJP) launched nationwide protests on June 6, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and Pradhan’s resignation.

The demonstrations, led by students and supported by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, included a hunger strike, marches and protests in Delhi, with participants seeking stricter action against examination mafias, judicial oversight and reforms in the examination system.

About the Author

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

News india 'Thank You For Relentless Service': Govt's First Reaction After Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

Read More