- After Abhijeet Dipke announced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, supporters celebrated at Jantar Mantar with the cry "We have done it!"
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as India's education minister marks a significant victory for youth-led protests that erupted over an exam paper leak scandal. The protests were fueled by derogatory comments from India's chief justice, who likened the youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites”.
Thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where supporters celebrated their success with chants of “We have done it”. The protests demanded not only Pradhan's resignation but also compensation for families of students who had died by suicide and a public apology from police for their violent crackdown on demonstrators.12
The protests, which saw tens of thousands take to the streets across India, were sparked by a police crackdown on July 20, where over 100 protesters were injured. Video footage of the violence fueled nationwide anger, leading to a surge in participation from cities like Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
“I will go back to my home now, happily,” said Mehdi Hasan, a protester who traveled over 1,120km to join the demonstrations. The CJP, a satirical group formed in response to the chief justice's comments, called for peaceful dispersal after the government accepted their demands. This resignation is unprecedented in Prime Minister Modi's 12-year tenure, which has been characterized by a strongman image.
“And today, friends, we found out what happens [when the cockroaches assemble],” a protester remarked, highlighting the power of collective action among India's youth.
“The government accepted all demands from the protesting group, including compensation for families of students who died by suicide and a public apology for police attacks on July 20. Separately, protester Mehdi Hasan, who traveled over 1,120 km from Bihar, said he would return home happily after the resignation.”
