**Why Dharmendra Pradhan Won’t Resign Over NEET Row? Government Breaks Silence as Protest Pressure Mounts

Government Rejects Calls for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Amid NEET Controversy

New Delhi: As protests surrounding the NEET paper leak controversy continue to gain momentum, the Union Government has made its position clear on one of the protesters’ biggest demands—Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will not resign.

According to senior government sources, the Centre believes there is no justification for seeking Pradhan’s resignation because he had no direct role in the alleged leak of the examination papers. The government has maintained that responsibility cannot be assigned to the minister for an incident that is currently under investigation.

The clarification comes at a time when demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have intensified, with protesters demanding accountability and major reforms in the examination system.

Government Says Minister Cannot Be Personally Blamed

Officials familiar with the matter stated that the government’s top leadership has discussed the issue extensively and concluded that Dharmendra Pradhan cannot be held personally responsible for the examination breach.

The Centre also highlighted the successful conduct of the NEET re-examination, arguing that swift corrective measures were taken to protect the interests of students and maintain the credibility of the examination process.

According to government insiders, these actions demonstrate that the administration acted responsibly once the irregularities came to light.

Fresh Talks with Protesters Still on the Table

While firmly rejecting the demand for the minister’s removal, the government has indicated that it remains open to constructive dialogue with the protesting group.

Earlier this week, Union Health Minister JP Nadda met representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party, including spokesperson Saurav Das, to hear their concerns. During the meeting, the protesters presented several demands, including action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak.

Following the interaction, multiple rounds of discussions reportedly took place among senior ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, and other key government leaders.

Government sources say another round of talks is possible if both sides agree on practical arrangements.

Neutral Venue Demand Continues

However, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das has maintained that the organisation will participate in another meeting only if the government demonstrates a genuine willingness to address its concerns.

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The group has also insisted that any future meeting should be held at a neutral venue near Jantar Mantar, instead of a government office, saying it would help build trust between both sides.

Compensation Demand Under Consideration

Among the protesters’ major demands is a compensation package of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy.

Government officials have indicated that while the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation has been rejected outright, the request for compensation is being viewed more sympathetically and remains under active consideration.

No final decision has been announced so far.

Centre Ready for Detailed Debate in Parliament

The government has also expressed confidence in defending its handling of the NEET controversy during the upcoming Parliament session.

Officials say the Centre is fully prepared to explain the sequence of events, the investigation into the paper leak, and the measures taken to conduct the re-examination successfully.

Government sources added that they are willing to participate in an extended debate if necessary, stressing that they have nothing to hide regarding the steps taken after the controversy surfaced.

Political Heat Likely to Continue

With student concerns, political criticism, and public attention still focused on the NEET issue, the controversy remains one of the biggest challenges facing the government.

While the Centre has shown flexibility by offering dialogue and considering compensation, it has drawn a clear line on the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, signalling that the Education Minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the government’s top leadership.

As Parliament prepares to debate the issue and fresh negotiations with protesters remain possible, the NEET controversy is expected to remain at the centre of India’s political discourse in the coming days.