Dharmendra Pradhan resigns for 'personal reasons': Fact check reveals AI video of education minister

Demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is still strong. The student protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has taken a more serious turn in recent days. Meanwhile, a video is doing the rounds on social media. It shows Pradhan announcing his resignation to the press.

“I am resigning from my post as Minister of Education. It is for personal reasons. I thank everyone for the opportunity,” he says in the video.

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However, PIB Fact-Check revealed the video. It shared a video with a similar frame. This is the video of Pradhan announcing NEET UG 2026 re-exam date on 21st June.

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Calls for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation stem from student protests citing alleged irregularities in exam paper leaks that led to tragic incidents including student suicides.

The Cockroach Janta Party has warned against taking a tougher stance if the government does not clarify the status of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, stressing that their demand remains non-negotiable.

An AI-generated video of Dharmendra Pradhan declaring his resignation was revealed by PIB Fact-Check, which confirmed that it had been digitally altered and he had not made such a statement.

The protesters are not only demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, but also reforms in the education system that would address issues related to the integrity of exams.

Reactions on social media express dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation and highlight a desire for accountability and resignation, particularly in response to student protests.

“A video of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is doing the rounds online, claiming to be announcing his position,” PIB Fact-Check wrote.

“This video is #fake and digitally altered. No such statement has been made by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan,” he added.

She also shared a link to the original ANI Bharat video, originally posted on YouTube on May 15.

“Beware of manipulated content. Always rely on official sources for verified information. Help STOP misinformation. Report suspicious content related to central government to PIB FactCheck,” another post on X read.

“Yes or no?”

Meanwhile, the cockroach Janata Party has warned that it may take a tougher line. It depends on the Centre’s clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. This happened after a meeting between CJP representatives and government ministers on Friday.

Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described Friday’s meeting as productive on certain specific issues. He said progress had been made on compensation and legal matters. An agreement in principle has been reached and written confirmation is expected soon.

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However, according to Ranka, Pradhan’s resignation remains completely unresolved.

“No concrete decision has been taken on our main demand – resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Mainstream media reports suggest that sources say Pradhan will not resign,” he said.

“If he does not resign, the government should make it clear because there is no point in continuing these negotiations. Then we will decide on the next course of action. If the government continues with this approach, we will be forced to take a tough stance,” he added.

According to Ranka, the CJP wants a definite ‘yes or no’ answer. He said there was little room for further reflection on this. Saturday’s meeting with the Center was scheduled for 15:30 to 16:00.

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Ranka also reacted to the removal of 47 officials by the National Examinations Agency.

“We will check the details. But the ultimate responsibility lies with the education minister, who is directly responsible for the paper leaks and the subsequent student suicides. He must resign,” said Ranka.

“While we continue to discuss wider reforms and presented a charter of demands to the government yesterday, his resignation remains crucial,” he added.