NEW DELHI: Reacting to Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the development showed the power of issue-based politics, adding that “big thrones will be shaken” when people rise above Hindu-Muslim politics and focus on real issues.Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Dipke said the development was proof that sustained public pressure could force accountability.“If there is no Hindu-Muslim politics, if there is only issue-based politics, then big thrones will be shaken. When we rise above Hindu and Muslim politics and talk about issues, then it will be good for the country,” Dipke said.Moments after Pradhan announced that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dipke declared victory for the protesters.“We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned,” he said, adding that people should not be afraid to challenge those in power.“Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. This is proof that if you don’t get scared, if you don’t bow down before this government, you can take anyone’s resignation. Don’t be scared in a democracy,” Dipke said.However, the CJP founder made it clear that the protest would continue despite the minister’s resignation. He said one of the group’s key demands had been met but two others remained pending.CJP demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET controversy and called for action against police personnel over the alleged crackdown on protesters during the party’s July 20 demonstration.“This is democracy. He has resigned. We have two more demands. We won’t leave like this. The families of the children who died by suicide should receive ?1 crore compensation. And action must be taken against the police officers who acted against protesters on the 20th,” he said.Ending his address, Dipke told supporters, “Remember, do not mess with Cockroach.”Earlier in the day, Pradhan announced his resignation, saying the NEET paper leak was not a matter of “individual prestige” and that he had taken responsibility for the controversy from the very beginning.“I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one,” Pradhan said, adding that he was disturbed by the developments of the past 10 days and had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Pradhan’s resignation came amid the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been demanding accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, reforms in the conduct of public examinations, compensation for affected families, and action against police over the alleged use of force on protesters.(With agency inputs)
