Dharmendra Pradhan resigns shortly after fact-check debunks AI video featuring Education Minister

The demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remained strong for weeks. The student protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), took a more serious turn in the last few days. Meanwhile, a video is circulating on social media. It shows Pradhan declaring his resignation to the press.

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

UPDATE: Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, for real.

However, PIB Fact-Check has debunked the video. It shared a video with a similar frame. That’s the video of Pradhan announcing the NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam date for 21 June.

“A video of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is circulating online, claiming that he is making an announcement about his position,” PIB Fact-Check posted.

“This video is #Fake and digitally altered. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan did not make any such statement,” it added.

It also shared the link to the original ANI Bharat video, originally published on YouTube on 15 May.

“Beware of manipulated content. Always rely on official sources for verified information. Help STOP misinformation. Report suspicious content related to the Central Government to PIB FactCheck,” the post next said on X.

‘Yes or No?’

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party has warned that it may adopt a tougher stance. This depends on the Centre's clarity regarding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. This followed Friday's meeting between CJP representatives and government ministers.

Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka called Friday's meeting productive on certain specific issues. He said progress was made regarding compensation and legal matters. An in-principle agreement was reached, with written confirmation expected soon.

However, Pradhan's resignation remains entirely unresolved, according to Ranka.

“No concrete decision has been made regarding our main demand- Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Mainstream media reports suggest sources are saying Pradhan will not step down,” he said.

“If he does not resign, the government should state it clearly, as there is no point in continuing these meetings. We will then decide on our next steps. If the government continues this approach, we will be forced to take a tough stance,” he added.

According to Ranka, CJP wants a definitive “yes or no” answer. He said there was little room for further deliberation on this. Saturday's talks with the Centre were scheduled for 3:30 to 4pm.

Ranka also responded to the National Testing Agency removing 47 officials.

"We will examine the details. But, the ultimate accountability lies with the Education Minister, who is directly responsible for the paper leaks and the resulting student suicides. He must resign,” Ranka said.

“While we continue to discuss broader reforms and submitted a charter of demands to the government yesterday, his resignation remains key," he added.