Indian education minister resigns after Cockraoch movement protests

Posted Sat 25 Jul 2026 at 8:28pm

Sat 25 Jul 2026 at 8:28pm

Sat 25 Jul 2026 at 9:25pm

Protesters in New Delhi demanded the resignation of India's education minister over exam paper leaks. (Reuters: Sahiba Chawdhary)

Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned after nationwide protests over the country's education system.

The Cockroach Janta Party organisation has been calling for the minister's resignation for months, amid ongoing exam paper leaks.

Dharmandra Pradhan has resigned following youth-led protests. (AP)

The movement made international headlines this week after thousands tried to march on parliament in New Delhi. Authorities used batons, tear gas and smoke bombs to break up crowds, leading to dozens of injuries.

"We have done it," said Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, as the protesters at the Jantar Mantar site celebrated.

Abhijeet Dipke, head of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), celebrates with supporters over education minister's resignation. (Reuters: Francis Mascarenhas)

In a letter published on X on Saturday, Mr Pradhan said he "took responsibility" for the leaking of India's national medical entrance exam in May.

The leak led to the cancellation of results and the government ordering a retest, which affected two million young people across the nation.

"The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti national forces, that the unity of the country should remain, that not a single student's future should be entangled in legal complexities, and that our children should focus on their studies and careers, keeping these considerations in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister," the letter said.

"I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth."

'A victory of patience'

Upon hearing the news of Mr Pradhan's resignation, protesters shouted "Jai Hind" in the streets, a patriotic slogan meaning "Victory to India".

The national anthem was also played on loud speakers throughout the area while hundreds of police officials stood on guard nearby.

Supporters of India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) celebrate India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.  (Reuters: Anushree Fadnavis)

Recently, activist Sonam Wangchuk went on a hunger strike for 26 days to support the youngster's movement, and said that the resignation is "a victory of peace, patience & perseverance," in a post on X. 

The protests also reflect anger over job scarcity, corruption and government accountability.

The months-old Cockroach movement and the protest have been seen as the biggest public challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced in his third term.

Mr Pradhan is the second minister to resign following a scandal since Mr Modi came to power in 2014. 

MJ Akbar resigned from his position as junior foreign minister in October 2018 following sexual harassment allegations.

ABC/wires