From protest to celebration: Mood changes at Freedom Park as Union Minister Pradhan steps down

People distributing chocolates to celebrate the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Bengaluru on Saturday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Hundreds of students, parents and activists protesting at Freedom Park over the NEET paper leak and crackdown on protesters in Delhi broke into celebrations after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday.

Protesters chanted slogans and distributed sweets. “The resignation feels like a victory after a long struggle. We made up songs and slogans on the spot and sang together and everything felt organic,” said Prarthana, a working professional who visited the protest site, which turned into a place of celebration in the evening. By default, it also became a place for old school and college friends to reconnect, she said.

“I have been coming here for the last three days. The goal of the protesters was clear. Today our fight was won. But there should be an inquiry into the police brutality against the protesters in New Delhi. When the culprits are punished, our fight will get real justice,” said Shashank, a private college student.

Chinmayee, another student, said the struggle of Gen-Z was a lesson for the central and all state governments. “If governments ignore us, they will have to pay the price. The CJP’s fight should not end here. The next fight should be against unemployment,” she said.

The All India Democratic Student’s Organization (AIDSO), which was part of the protest, called it an “unprecedented victory in the fierce struggle being waged by students across the country”.

The united fight will continue until the National Testing Agency (NTA) is abolished and those responsible for question paper leaks are punished, said Ajay Kamath, AIDSO State Secretary.

People celebrate after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned in Bengaluru on Saturday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Other student organizations such as the All India Student’s Federation (AISF) and the All India Student’s Association (AISA) also pressed for greater reforms – the abolition of the NTA and the protection of public education.

In a statement, development educator VP Niranjanaradhya said, “It is a relief that Dharmendra Pradhan has finally bowed down to the struggle of students and youth. It is a great victory. But it is unfortunate that students had to endure violence and brutality at the hands of the police.”

Published – 25 Jul 2026 22:40 IST