A series of dramatic developments unfolded in the students’ protests over the alleged NEET question paper leak after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message on the night of July 24.
July 24, late night (around 11:30 PM) – PM Modi’s video message
* Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message addressing the NEET paper leak controversy and examination reforms set a new social media record. Within just 24 hours, his Instagram following increased by more than one million. Following the overwhelming response, the Prime Minister released another video thanking the country’s youth and students.
* In his message, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the positive suggestions and responses received on his earlier video.
July 25, morning – Momentum builds and political activity intensifies
* Following the Prime Minister’s message, efforts were initiated on July 25 to begin talks between the government and student leaders amid the students’ protest at Jantar Mantar and heightened political activity.
July 25, afternoon – Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns
* Amid the NEET paper leak controversy and growing student unrest, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post.
* He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating in his letter that the youth are the nation’s greatest strength. He also expressed regret over the developments of the past few days.
July 25, afternoon – Third round of talks at Constitution Club
* Later in the afternoon, the third round of discussions was held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi between government representatives and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
* During the meeting, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh discussed the students’ demands with CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
July 25, evening – Joint press conference and end of the protest
* Following the meeting, representatives of the government and the CJP addressed a joint press conference.
* Union Minister J.P. Nadda announced that the government would take steps to withdraw the First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against the protesters.
* He also said that the government would provide financial assistance, in accordance with applicable rules, to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET question paper leak.
* Subsequently, the CJP announced the withdrawal of its protest and officially called off the agitation.
