Pralhad Joshi Appointed As Education Minister After President Murmu Accepts Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation; CJP Reacts

Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Ministry of Education, vacated after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, following a massive protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks. President Droupadi Murmu's office confirmed the appointment by releasing a note.

"President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio," the statement read.

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The President has entrusted Union Cabinet Minister Joshi with the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Education while he continues to hold his existing portfolio as Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs.

Pradhan's resignation marks a significant change in the Union Cabinet. He had been leading the Education Ministry during a period of heightened student unrest linked to alleged paper leaks in various examinations. The protests, which gained momentum in several parts of the country, had put the Ministry under intense public and political scrutiny.

Joshi Hails Pradhan's Tenure

Earlier, Joshi hailed Pradhan's tenure as the Union Minister in an X post, saying he had an illustrious political career spanning decades.

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"Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji has had an illustrious political career spanning decades. His commitment to the development of the Nation will always be remembered," his post read.

His tenure witnessed the successful implementation of NEP 2020 along with over 100 big and small reforms in the field of education, Joshi asserted, adding that placing larger interest above everything else, Pradhan's decision to step down does not in anyway stop in him contributing to the Nation's development.

Our paths will cross again in the line of development of the Nation, he added.

CJP's Reaction On Joshi's Appointment

On Union Minister Pralhad Joshi given additional charge of the Education Ministry, Cockroach Janta Party's chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the new minister knows that youth are watching and stopping paper leaks should be priority. 

"Our concerns and demands have been addressed. Those demands resonated with the youth across the country, which is why this movement gained nationwide support. Whoever becomes the Education Minister should know that the youth are watching. They will demand accountability. So, when the time comes, work in the interest of the youth. Stop paper leaks and implement our five-point recommendations outlined in the demand charter. We will meet the new Education Minister very soon. The government has promised to hold a meeting within a month, and then we will see what happens," he added.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Union Minister Pralhad Joshi given additional charge of the Education Ministry, Cockroach Janta Party's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das says, "Our concerns and demands have been addressed. Those demands resonated with the youth across the country, which is why… pic.twitter.com/FvxwPrUFxX

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2026

CJP Protest At Jantar Mantar Ends 

Earlier in the day, in a joint press conference with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Cockroach Janata Party leader Saurav Das declared the withdrawal of the 36-day-long protest at Jantar Mantar, following the acceptance of their demands by the government.

He urged the students to drop the protest and go back home as the government has accepted all demands of the students.

Joshi, a senior Cabinet Minister, will now oversee the Union Education ministry in addition to his responsibilities in the Food and Consumer Affairs portfolio. Officials said the dual charge arrangement is intended to ensure continuity in the functioning of the Education Ministry without disruption.

(With Agencies Inputs)