Naveen Patnaik hails Gen Z as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down amid NEET uproar

On Saturday, Biju Janata Dal chief and Odisha Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik took to social media to single out the nation’s youngsters, calling them the "strength of our democracy." In a short video clip he said, "Gen Z, I’m proud of all of you – you’ve shown what a united youth can achieve."

The heartfelt tribute came on the heels of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, a move forced by weeks of student‑led protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. The pressure cooker had been heating up for over a month, with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) staging sit‑ins at Jantar Mantar and activist Sonam Wangchuk embarking on a 26‑day hunger strike.

Pradhan handed in his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating he did not want the examination scandal to be hijacked by "anti‑national forces." The BJD, alongside Patnaik, had already voiced support for the protestors and condemned the police crackdown that took place on July 20.

In a surprising turn, the CJP announced it was pulling back its agitation, describing the decision as taken “in good faith” after receiving written assurances from the Centre. Party spokesperson Saurav Das said the government pledged compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and promised to withdraw FIRs lodged against demonstrators across India.

Union Minister JP Nadda later told reporters that the government had reviewed the CJP’s five‑point charter on exam reforms and would consider the demands seriously. "We will think deeply about the charter and, after talks with the delegation, do whatever we can," Nadda affirmed at a press conference in the Constitution Club.

While the immediate crisis seems to be easing, the episode has left a lasting impression: a generation of students proved they could mobilise on a national scale, and a senior minister chose to step aside rather than risk further unrest.