Speaking in his trademark style, Raj Thackeray said the younger generation had forced the government to acknowledge public sentiment.

"Gen Z has shaken the government and brought it down to the ground," he remarked, describing the protests as a defining moment for young people across the country.

According to Thackeray, the resignation of the Education Minister reflects the impact of sustained public pressure and the determination shown by students and youth protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Calls It a Victory for Youth

Raj Thackeray congratulated the protesters and said the movement had achieved a significant milestone.

He credited the youth for maintaining pressure on the government despite repeated challenges and said leaders who had initially dismissed the protests were eventually forced to respond.

Thackeray also acknowledged the role of protest leader Abhijeet Deepke, saying his contribution had been crucial in mobilizing students and keeping the movement alive.

Support for Protest to Continue

Although Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, Raj Thackeray made it clear that support for the protest movement would continue.

He said any future decisions taken by protest leaders, including Abhijeet Deepke, would receive his party's full backing. According to him, the public anger has now gone beyond a single minister and reflects broader concerns over accountability in governance.

Joint Rally With Uddhav Thackeray to Proceed

Raj Thackeray also confirmed that the planned joint march with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray would go ahead despite the minister's resignation.

The rally is scheduled to assemble at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where both leaders are expected to address supporters and express solidarity with students demanding education reforms and greater transparency in examinations.

Responds to Speculation on New Education Minister

Asked about speculation that Maharashtra could produce the next Union Education Minister, Raj Thackeray declined to comment on reports linking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the post.

He said such discussions remain speculative and that any decision would only become clear after the central leadership makes an official announcement.

Thackeray also remarked that political developments in New Delhi have gathered pace, but said there was little value in commenting until the government formally reveals its plans.

Political Significance

Raj Thackeray's remarks come at a time when the NEET paper leak protests have evolved into a nationwide youth movement, prompting multiple rounds of dialogue between protest leaders and the Centre. With the resignation of the Education Minister, attention has now shifted to the remaining demands of the protesters and the government's next course of action.

As news of Pradhan's resignation reached the protest site, supporters erupted in celebration. Protesters chanted "Student Unity Zindabad," embraced one another, and hailed the resignation as a significant victory for the movement.

CJP founder Abhijeet Deepke addressed the gathering, claiming the protest had achieved its first major objective. "People said ministers in this government never resign. We made it happen," he told supporters.

Using a popular slogan, Deepke remarked, "Democracy has awakened," adding that the resignation represented only the "first wicket" and that the agitation would continue until the remaining demands were fulfilled.

Government-CJP Talks Continue

Even as celebrations continued at Jantar Mantar, representatives of the government and the CJP met at the Constitution Club in New Delhi for another round of negotiations.

The government's delegation included Union Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and senior officials, while the CJP was represented by its leadership, including Ashutosh Ranka and other members. The discussions focused on the protesters' remaining demands following the Education Minister's resignation.

This marks the third formal round of talks between the two sides within five days, indicating ongoing efforts to find a negotiated resolution to the student-led movement.

Deepke Says Movement Will Continue

Addressing supporters from the protest stage, Deepke emphasized that the resignation alone would not end the agitation.

He said the movement still had two key demands pending and asserted that protesters would remain at Jantar Mantar until those demands were addressed. He also reiterated that the campaign was aimed at securing accountability and broader reforms rather than a single political outcome.

Despite reportedly suffering from typhoid and appearing on stage with a medical cannula attached to his hand, Deepke continued to address supporters and participate in the protest.

Five Days of Escalating Protests

The demonstrations have intensified over the past week, leading to repeated engagements between the protesters and the government.

• July 20: CJP organized a march to Parliament, during which clashes with police left several protesters injured.
• July 21: Protest leaders demanded that the government come to Jantar Mantar for direct talks.
• July 22: Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk said he would end his fast if meaningful assurances were received from the government.
• July 23: CJP reiterated its demand for direct negotiations at the protest site.
• July 24: A second round of talks was held between government representatives and CJP leaders, after which Wangchuk ended his hunger strike.
• July 25: Following reports of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, protesters celebrated while another round of negotiations began at the Constitution Club.

What Happens Next

While the resignation of the Education Minister marks a significant political development, the protest movement has indicated that it will continue until its remaining demands are addressed. The outcome of the ongoing discussions between the government and CJP is expected to determine the next phase of the agitation.