New Delhi: The President, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assigned the Education portfolio to Joshi in addition to his existing ministerial responsibilities, according to an official communiqué issued on Saturday evening. Joshi currently heads the ministries of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy.

Pradhan, 57, stepped down on the 35th day of demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In his resignation letter, he said the decision was intended to prevent “anti-national elements” from exploiting the unrest surrounding the alleged examination irregularities.

His resignation had been one of the principal demands of the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest movement, founded by Boston University graduate Abhijeet Dipke after his return to India.

Hours after the resignation, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka announced that the movement was ending its protest “in good faith” following assurances from the Central Government that its demands would be addressed.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference attended by Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

Joshi had earlier said the government remained committed to protecting students’ interests and accused “anti-social elements” of attempting to exploit the demonstrations.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Friday, he said the Centre had shown concern and sensitivity towards students while working to strengthen the country’s education system and safeguard the future of young people.

Pradhan’s departure marks a major political fallout from the examination controversy, which triggered weeks of youth-led demonstrations demanding accountability and reforms to India’s testing system.