📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Abhilash Thiru
Politics
Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Minister Over 2018 MJ Akbar Row
✍️ NDTV
🗓 25 Jul 2026, 08:07 PM
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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down following a controversy that traces back to a 2018 incident involving journalist MJ Akbar. The resignation comes after months of debate over the incident.
Dharmendra Pradhan, who has served as the Union Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, announced his resignation earlier today.
The decision follows a long‑standing row that began in 2018 when journalist MJ Akbar made remarks that were widely criticised as offensive. The controversy has resurfaced in recent weeks, prompting calls for Pradhan’s departure.
In a statement, the government said the resignation was taken after consultations with senior leaders and that it was in the best interest of the ministry.
Pradhan’s exit will trigger a reshuffle in the education ministry, with the cabinet expected to appoint a successor in the coming days.
The decision follows a long‑standing row that began in 2018 when journalist MJ Akbar made remarks that were widely criticised as offensive. The controversy has resurfaced in recent weeks, prompting calls for Pradhan’s departure.
In a statement, the government said the resignation was taken after consultations with senior leaders and that it was in the best interest of the ministry.
Pradhan’s exit will trigger a reshuffle in the education ministry, with the cabinet expected to appoint a successor in the coming days.