Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over alleged exam paper leaks.

A seasoned parliamentarian and organisation leader, Joshi is regarded as one of the BJP’s experienced faces, having played key roles in both the party’s organisational structure and the Union government over the years.

A political journey rooted in student leadership

Pralhad Joshi began his public life through student politics before becoming actively involved in the BJP’s organisational work in Karnataka.

Over the years, he emerged as a prominent leader in the state and was elected multiple times as the Member of Parliament from Karnataka’s Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency. He also served as the BJP’s Karnataka unit president, strengthening the party’s presence in the state.

His national political profile grew further after he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, formed the government at the Centre.

Experience across key ministries

Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy. In previous terms, he has also handled important portfolios including Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs.

His long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his experience in parliamentary affairs have made him one of the BJP’s trusted leaders.

Education Ministry responsibility

Joshi takes charge of the Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post amid protests over alleged examination paper leaks.

A day before receiving the additional responsibility, Joshi had defended the Centre’s approach to the ongoing student protests. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said the government remained committed to safeguarding students’ interests and alleged that “anti-social elements” were trying to take advantage of the CJP-led agitation.

He also said the Modi government was committed to taking strict action against any irregularities affecting students and reaffirmed its focus on strengthening the education system and protecting the future of young people.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

The President’s office confirmed the appointment through an official communique issued on Saturday evening. Joshi will continue to hold his existing portfolio as Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs while also overseeing the Education Ministry.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid prolonged protests

Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation on the 35th day of the student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks.

In his resignation letter, the 57-year-old leader said he chose to step down to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation.

“For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” Pradhan said.

CJP ends protest after Centre’s assurance

Hours after Pradhan’s resignation, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, during a joint press conference with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, announced that the organisation was ending its protest in good faith after receiving assurances from the Centre that its demands would be addressed.

The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan had been the principal demand of the organisation founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who returned to India to lead the campaign against alleged examination paper leaks.

Joshi reiterates government’s stand on students

A day before taking charge of the Education Ministry, Pralhad Joshi said the Centre remained committed to protecting students’ interests and ensuring strict action against irregularities affecting examinations.

He also alleged that anti-social elements were attempting to exploit the CJP-led protests and urged students to remain vigilant while continuing peaceful demonstrations.

“The Modi government has always stood with students and the youth. It remains committed to taking strict action against any irregularities or injustices that affect their future,” Joshi had said.

He added that while students have every right to protest peacefully, they should ensure that their genuine concerns are not misused by anti-social elements.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a major development amid the ongoing student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Pradhan announced the decision through a post on X, just hours before the Centre was scheduled to hold the third round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading the agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

The resignation of the Education Minister had remained the primary demand of the protesters, who have been camping at Jantar Mantar for more than a month seeking accountability and reforms in the examination system.

The latest development comes at a crucial time as both sides prepare for another round of discussions aimed at resolving the prolonged standoff.

As of now, there has been no official announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office on whether Pradhan’s resignation has been accepted. Further details are awaited.

Resignation comes before key Centre-CJP meeting

The announcement was made only hours before representatives of the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party were expected to meet for the third round of negotiations.

The talks are being closely watched as the government attempts to end the month-long protest, with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan remaining one of the protesters’ central demands.