New Delhi: India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned following weeks of nationwide protests over examination paper leaks, marking what many observers describe as the first major concession by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to the student-led movement.
Announcing his resignation on social media platform X on Saturday, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in view of the prevailing situation.
In his statement, he said he did not want the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and across the country to be exploited by “anti-national forces.” He added that he deeply respected the aspirations, emotions, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth and did not want students to become entangled in legal complications instead of focusing on their education and future.
Meanwhile, supporters of the satirical political movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led the protests, celebrated the minister’s resignation at Jantar Mantar and in several other cities across India. Addressing supporters, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared, “We did it. This is a victory for democracy.”
In a statement posted on social media, the movement wrote, “Cockroaches won… Democracy won.” However, the group said three key demands remain unmet: compensation of 10 million Indian rupees for the families of students who died by suicide in connection with the exam scandal, a guarantee that no legal action will be taken against protesters, and a public apology from the Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force over the alleged use of force against demonstrators.
Just hours before Pradhan’s resignation, police used tear gas to disperse protesters in New Delhi, while internet services around Jantar Mantar were restricted and 18 metro stations in the area were temporarily closed.
The protests intensified after police carried out baton charges, fired tear gas, and allegedly used pellet guns against demonstrators earlier in the week, leaving several students injured.
Prior to the resignation, the Modi government had announced the establishment of fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leak cases and pledged to introduce tougher legislation aimed at curbing cheating, corruption, and paper leaks in the country’s examination system.
