The resignation marks a key turning point in the month-long agitation led by the CJP—a student-led movement that originated as a satirical youth platform—alongside several opposition parties.

'You just need the right person'

In his first address after Pradhan's exit, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took a swipe at the Centre, saying: "Everyone said this government never bows down. But the whole world bows down—you just need the right person to make it happen."

However, Dipke made it clear that the agitation would continue until the government accepted two additional demands.

CJP's remaining demands

The party has demanded:

  • ₹1 crore as compensation for the families of all students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper-leak.
  • Action against police officers accused of assaulting protesters during the Parliament March on July 20.
Taking another dig at the government, Dipke said: "Remember, do not mess with cockroaches..."

Talks with Centre

The development came just hours before the CJP was scheduled to enter a third round of talks with Central government representatives.

Earlier in the day, the party had declared that further dialogue with the Centre would be futile unless Pradhan stepped down, calling his removal a non-negotiable precondition for any future negotiations.

Celebrations at Jantar Mantar

Following the resignation announcement, jubilant supporters gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the epicentre of the demonstrations. Similar celebrations and protests were reported from several major cities, including Kolkata.

The nationwide agitation has seen thousands of students camp at Jantar Mantar for more than a month.

While the Centre initially refrained from directly engaging with the protesters, mounting public pressure and the spread of demonstrations across state capitals eventually pushed the government into negotiations with CJP representatives in an effort to break the deadlock.

Opposition piles pressure

Opposition leaders had sharply intensified pressure on the government in the days leading up to the resignation.

Earlier on Saturday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reiterated his demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's complete removal from the Union Cabinet, warning the government against reassigning him to another ministerial portfolio.