In a strong show of solidarity from his home state, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday praised Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his decision to resign, calling it a reflection of high moral values and unwavering commitment to public service.
Pradhan, the BJP MP from Sambalpur in Odisha, announced his resignation earlier in the day by sharing a detailed letter addressed to the nation’s youth. In it, he recounted his decades of work for students and teachers, highlighted the challenges around the NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities that emerged in May, and explained the government’s swift response — including cancelling the original test, ordering a CBI probe, conducting a fresh exam in June, and deciding to shift future tests to computer-based mode.
Pradhan said the results of the re-exam had been encouraging for meritorious students from humble backgrounds. However, he expressed deep concern over attempts to mislead young people amid the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar. “India’s youth power is the real strength of this nation,” he wrote, adding that he would not allow the younger generation to be trapped in confusion or legal complications. To protect national unity and keep students focused on their studies and careers, he said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As Union Minister of Education, Shri @dpradhanbjp led transformative reforms, including the historic National Education Policy (NEP 2020), laying a strong foundation for the future of millions of students across the nation. Prioritizing high moral values above all else, his… https://t.co/wTP17lVJ9X
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) July 25, 2026
Responding to the announcement, Chief Minister Majhi wrote: “As Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan led transformative reforms, including the historic National Education Policy (NEP 2020), laying a strong foundation for the future of millions of students across the nation.
Prioritising high moral values above all else, his decision to resign reflects his deep principle and an unwavering dedication to public service.”Majhi expressed confidence in Pradhan’s future contributions and sought the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath for his journey ahead. The message was also shared in Odia, underlining the personal and regional bond between the two leaders.
Pradhan’s resignation comes after weeks of intense student-led protests under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and pressure from opposition parties over repeated examination paper leaks. While the government had earlier indicated it did not favour resignation, Pradhan chose to prioritise the larger interest of students and the education system.
The move marks the end of Pradhan’s tenure as Education Minister, during which NEP 2020 remained one of the most significant reforms introduced in recent years. Both leaders have invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath, reflecting the cultural and spiritual undertones that often mark political statements from Odisha.
