Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it a victory for public pressure and issue-based politics.
Addressing supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Dipke said the development showed that governments could be held accountable when people united over public concerns instead of religious divisions.
“If there is no Hindu-Muslim politics, if there is only issue-based politics, then even the biggest thrones will be shaken. When we rise above Hindu-Muslim politics and speak about people’s issues, it will be good for the country,” he said.
He also led supporters in raising the slogan, “Hindu-Muslim ki rajneeti nahi chalegi” (“Hindu-Muslim politics will not be tolerated”), and urged students to reject politics based on religion and focus instead on issues affecting the country.
‘We Have Done It,’ Says Dipke
Pradhan’s resignation came after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Reacting to the development, Dipke said the resignation proved that sustained public pressure could force those in power to answer for their actions.
“We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. This shows that if people refuse to be intimidated and continue raising their voice, those in power can be held accountable. In a democracy, citizens should never be afraid,” he said.
CJP Says Two Demands Still Remain
While welcoming the minister’s resignation, Dipke said the movement would continue until the remaining demands of the protesters were met.
According to him, the CJP has demanded ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET controversy. The group has also sought action against police personnel over the alleged use of force during the July 20 protest in Delhi.
“This is democracy. One demand has been met, but two more remain,” Dipke said. “The families of the students who lost their lives deserve ₹1 crore in compensation, and action must be taken against the police officers who acted against protesters.”
Pradhan Says He Took Responsibility
Earlier on Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan announced that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had accepted responsibility for the NEET-UG 2026 examination controversy from the beginning.
“I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one,” Pradhan said, adding that he had decided to step down because he believed the issue was bigger than any individual’s position.
Protest Withdrawn After Talks With Centre
Later in the day, the Cockroach Janta Party announced that it was ending its protest following the third round of talks with the Centre.
According to the organisation, the government agreed to accept its demands, bringing the month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar to a close.
