Dinesh Karthik, Rajeev Shukla React as Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid NEET Protest Row

July 25, 2026: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik was among the first members of the sporting fraternity to react after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Pradhan stepped down after weeks of mounting pressure as student-led demonstrations continued across the country, demanding greater accountability and reforms in the education system.

Karthik welcomed the development and expressed his support for the students through a post on X. Praising the younger generation, he wrote, "At the end of the day, we're all working towards a better India. The clarity, collaboration and relentlessness of the younger generation is something that I'm extremely in awe of. The future is bright, and the next generation is going to take us to new heights. Jai Hind." He captioned the post, "The next decade is India's."

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla also welcomed Pradhan's resignation and shared his reaction on social media. Shukla, who is also a Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Chhattisgarh, described the resignation as a victory for India's students, youth and the united Opposition. In his post, he wrote, "I welcome the resignation of the Education Minister. This is a victory of the students of India, the youth of India and the Opposition unity." He added that he hopes the government will now introduce strong measures to prevent future exam paper leaks and carry out comprehensive reforms in the education sector. Shukla stressed that India's youth and students are the country's future and said their voices must be heard.

The next decade is India’s 🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/6IXNR8y8wK

— DK (@DineshKarthik) July 25, 2026

Dinesh Karthik and Rajeev Shukla React to Pradhan's Resignation

Karthik's post reflected hope that the resignation would lead to meaningful reforms and restore students' confidence in the country's competitive examination system. Shukla echoed a similar view, saying the resignation should be the beginning of broader changes rather than the end of the issue. Both called for a stronger and more transparent education system that protects the interests of students.

Pradhan resigned after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Students, activists and public figures had demanded greater transparency and accountability in the examination process. The protests gained momentum at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led demonstrations. Educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined a 26-day hunger strike in support of the movement.

I welcome the resignation of the Education Minister. This is a victory of the students of India, the youth of India and the Opposition unity. I firmly believe that the Government will not stop with the resignation but will also take some concrete measures to ensure that no exam…

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) July 25, 2026

Why Dharmendra Pradhan Resigned

For nearly a month, students and members of the CJP had been demanding Pradhan's resignation while calling for major reforms in India's education system. On July 20, protesters marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament but were stopped by police, who used lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

A few days later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to students, assuring them that all those accused in the alleged NEET paper leak had been arrested. He also announced that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure a speedy trial. On Friday, CJP representatives met government officials to present their demands.

On Saturday, Pradhan confirmed his resignation through a post on X. In his statement, he said the country's youth are India's greatest strength and stressed that students should be able to focus on their education without uncertainty. He also urged people to maintain peace and said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of the nation and its students.