India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned on Saturday following widespread demonstrations and a 26-day hunger strike by an activist. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded major reforms after an alleged exam paper leak. This incident has sparked significant public dissent across the nation.
Pradhan announced his resignation on X, hours before a third round of talks with the CJP was about to begin. In his statement, he emphasized his respect for the aspirations and expectations of Indian youth. He wrote, “Realizing the dreams of India’s young generation has been the moral resolve of our political and social life.”
The CJP, which originated as an online parody of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), celebrated the resignation with the message, “Cockroaches won. Democracy won!” on X. In New Delhi, crowds of students and activists took to the streets, waving Indian flags, to celebrate the announcement.
The controversy began in May with online leaks that disrupted the NEET undergraduate exam. The exam is critically important as it serves as a gateway to India’s medical schools. The scandal has led to large protests in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. Police have used tear gas and batons to control the swelling crowds, especially near Parliament in New Delhi.
The CJP was named after Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remark comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” This movement has presented one of the biggest challenges to Modi’s leadership in 12 years. Protesters are demanding compensation for the families of students who died by suicide due to the leaks, as well as accountability for police actions against protesters.
The families of children who committed suicide should receive compensation of one crore rupees ($100,000), the CJP stated.
The movement also called for action against police officers involved in suppressing protests. On Thursday night, Modi addressed the issue on Instagram. He announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases but defended his administration’s efforts. Many protesters felt the response was inadequate, leading to renewed demonstrations on Friday despite disruptions in the metro network.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike added momentum to the protests. After being forcefully taken to hospital, he ended his fast following appeals from Members of Parliament. Wangchuk referred to Pradhan’s resignation as “a victory of peace, patience & perseverance.”
He expressed gratitude on X: “Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation, and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation.”