New Delhi: Naimisha Pradhan, daughter of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has deactivated her Instagram account after becoming the target of online criticism during protests demanding her father's resignation. The move came after her social media profile drew thousands of comments questioning her decision to pursue higher education in the United States amid an escalating political row over the country's education system.

The online campaign gathered momentum during protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Demonstrators have been demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over issues related to the education sector, including NEET, while accusing the government of failing to address students' concerns.

Why was Naimisha Pradhan targeted?

Although Naimisha Pradhan holds no public office, social media users have begun circulating her Instagram posts and questioning why the daughter of India's Education Minister chose to study abroad.

Several users argued that pursuing higher education overseas reflected a lack of confidence in India's education system. Others claimed that if more Indian students had similar financial opportunities, they would choose foreign universities as well. The criticism soon spilled beyond her personal social media pages.

ALSO READ: CJP’s big demands before government: Wangchuk release, Pradhan resignation, NEET compensation

At the same time, many social media users objected to dragging the minister's daughter into a political controversy. Several argued that criticism should remain focused on elected representatives and government policies rather than their family members, saying people with no role in public decision-making should not become targets of political campaigns.

Who is Naimisha Pradhan?

Naimisha Pradhan completed a Master of Laws (LLM) at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in Massachusetts, graduating in 2023. She currently works as a Senior Associate at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

ALSO READ: Will Dharmendra Pradhan resign? Education Minister meets Amit Shah as protesters demand his exit

Why are protesters demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation?

The controversy surrounding Naimisha Pradhan is linked to the broader protests against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over education-related issues, particularly NEET.

The Cockroach Janata Party has been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, accusing the government of mishandling concerns affecting students and demanding the minister's resignation. The protests have coincided with the Monsoon Session of Parliament, where opposition parties have also been seeking discussions on NEET and youth-related issues.

ALSO READ: 'PM Modi, Amit Shah must resign': Rahul Gandhi meets injured students after protest crackdown

Dharmendra Pradhan's response

Responding publicly to the protests for the first time, Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of using students to create political disruption during Parliament's Monsoon Session.

In a post on X, the Union minister said the government was ready to discuss NEET and other issues concerning students and youth inside Parliament. He alleged that the Congress had chosen "political spectacle over democratic debate" despite the government's willingness to hold a discussion.

Pradhan also criticised opposition leaders for staging demonstrations near the Prime Minister's residence, alleging that the protest caused inconvenience to the public and ignored established security protocols.