Television actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee on 26 July publicly backed a social media post demanding that the education ministers of Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka resign — drawing a direct parallel to the exit of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down on 25 June amid nationwide student protests over alleged examination irregularities.

The Post That Sparked the Reaction

A user on X argued that Pradhan's resignation had set a precedent for accountability in education governance. The post, which also tagged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, read: 'Now that @dpradhanbjp has resigned, he has sent a precedent. It clears the way for Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka education ministers to resign. Cmon #RahulGandhi #ArvindKejriwal. Respect your own words.'

Reacting to the post, Devoleena wrote: 'Countdown begins…… Shubh kaam mein aur deri nahi honi chahiye…Own it & Resign.' The comment amplified the post's reach significantly, drawing attention from entertainment and political circles alike.

Shweta Tiwari Also Weighs In

Actress Shweta Tiwari separately reacted to Pradhan's resignation via her Instagram Stories, resharing a video featuring CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke. In the clip, Dipke argued that Pradhan's exit had opened a pathway to demand accountability from any underperforming Cabinet minister. Tiwari added her own pointed remark: 'Now, when is the Punjab Education Minister resigning? And when are you protesting there, Cockroach Janta Party?'

Why Dharmendra Pradhan Resigned

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on 25 June following weeks of sustained student-led protests centred on alleged lapses in the national examination system, most notably the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The agitation, which began at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, gradually spread to major cities and smaller towns across the country.

The protests intensified after a police action against demonstrators at Jantar Mantar drew widespread criticism. The crackdown triggered strong public reactions, with many extending solidarity to the students.

Sonam Wangchuk's Role in the Agitation

The movement gained further momentum when climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed by Delhi Police from the Jantar Mantar protest site in the early hours of 18 July, following the conclusion of his 21-day indefinite hunger strike. Authorities shifted him to a hospital, citing health concerns, medical advice, and compliance with a Delhi High Court order. Wangchuk had been on the hunger strike demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and calling for Pradhan's resignation.

What Comes Next

With Pradhan's exit now being cited as a benchmark, pressure is reportedly building on state-level education ministers — particularly in opposition-governed states. Whether the governments of Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka respond to these demands remains to be seen, though no formal resignation announcements have been made as of reporting.