India’s Education Minister Steps Down Amid Protests

India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned on Saturday following widespread protests known as the ‘Cockroach’ demonstrations. This came after activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike calling for his resignation. The protests demanded major reforms after an alleged exam paper leak sparked significant public discontent.

Pradhan announced his resignation on X hours before a new round of talks was set between the government and the activist group, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The CJP had been advocating for reforms after the mishandling of the exam paper leak, which caused disruptions in the NEET undergraduate exam—a crucial entrance exam for medical schools in India. In his resignation statement, Pradhan emphasized his respect for the aspirations and expectations of India’s youth.

The CJP, which started as a parody of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), declared victory on social media. In New Delhi, protesters celebrated by waving the Indian flag. Demonstrations spread from New Delhi to other cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. Authorities used tear gas and batons to control the large crowds near Parliament earlier this week.

The activist group, named after a comment by Chief Justice Surya Kant about unemployed youth, has posed a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year leadership. Protesters demanded compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the exam paper leaks, as well as action against police for their conduct during the protests.

Compensation of one crore rupees (about $100,000) for affected families was among the demands. Modi addressed the issue on social media, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter and announcing fast-track courts for related cases. Despite this, protesters were unsatisfied, resuming demonstrations even as metro services were disrupted in New Delhi.

Wangchuk’s hunger strike played a key role in intensifying the protests. After being forcibly hospitalized, he ended his fast due to concerns about potential violence and following negotiations. He described Pradhan’s resignation as a triumph for peace and perseverance.

In a message on X, Wangchuk congratulated the CJP and young people across the nation, thanking citizens for overcoming fear and rising up from across India.