Dharmendra Pradhan won't quit, we'll deliver on people's mandate: Govt sources

The government has ruled out the possibility of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigning over the NEET-UG paper leak row, with sources saying on Friday that stepping down would be the easiest thing to do and would amount to running away from responsibility.

The development is a huge blow to online satire movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is staging a month-long protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak row and other examination-related issues.

According to government sources, there is "no question" of Pradhan resigning. "Resigning and running away from responsibility will be the easiest thing to do. People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver," they said.

The government, sources added, is focused on fixing systemic issues within the National Testing Agency (NTA) instead of taking symbolic steps. A comprehensive list of shortcomings in the examination body has been



prepared, and corrective measures are expected to be rolled out soon.

The sources also highlighted the government's ongoing crackdown on paper leak networks, saying multiple gangs involved in exam paper leaks have already been busted. They added that further action against those involved is in the pipeline.

The government's assertion came on a day when the CJP, which has been spearheading protests over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities, reiterated that Pradhan's resignation remained a non-negotiable demand.

During a two-hour meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Vithalbhai Patel House on Friday, CJP representatives told the government they would not back down from their demand for Pradhan's resignation. The outfit also sought a public apology from the Centre, the Rapid Action Force and the Delhi Police Commissioner for the alleged police brutality against protesters during Monday's 'Sansad Chalo' march.