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Pradhan Steps Down After Weeks of Demonstrations
India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, yielding to mounting pressure from nationwide youth protests over alleged examination paper leaks . The resignation marks the first major political concession by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since the student-led demonstrations erupted .
In a post on X, Pradhan announced his decision just hours before a third round of talks between the government and protest leaders . He stated he was stepping down to prevent the situation from being exploited by “anti-national forces” and expressed deep respect for the aspirations of the country’s youth .
‘Cockroach Janta Party’ Movement Claims Victory
The protests were spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) , a satirical campaign that evolved into a nationwide movement . Protesters reclaimed the term “cockroach” after a senior judge used it to describe unemployed young people, turning it into a symbol of resilience and defiance .
The CJP welcomed the resignation as a major victory, declaring: “Cockroaches won. Democracy won!” . CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke emotionally announced from the main protest site at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar: “We have done it” .
Background of the Controversy
The protests began over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance examination held on May 3, which was later cancelled by the government on May 12 citing a paper leak . Over 2 million candidates were forced to retake the exam, exposing systemic flaws in the testing system .
The movement gained momentum following a police crackdown on protesters marching to Parliament on July 20, where baton charges and tear gas were used against demonstrators . Opposition parties backed the protests, disrupting Parliament’s monsoon session and demanding Pradhan’s resignation .
Key Demands and Government Response
The CJP had three key demands: Pradhan’s resignation, compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and assurance of no legal action against protesters . After Friday’s talks, the government reportedly approved two demands in-principle before Pradhan’s resignation followed roughly 24 hours later .
