Cockroach Janta Party declares victory after India Education Minister resigned
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced that it was ending its agitation after successful talks with federal ministers. The decision ended days of nationwide demonstrations led by students and youth activists.
Party leaders said the government agreed to withdraw all police cases against protesters and provide maximum compensation to the families of students who died by suicide.
The protests were triggered by a series of examination paper leak allegations across the country. Demonstrators had demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying he should take responsibility for the crisis.
Pradhan resigned on Saturday and announced his decision in a post on X. His resignation came just hours before another round of talks between protest leaders and government representatives.
In his statement, Pradhan wrote, “Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that antinational forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to Prime Minister [Narendra Modi].” He also said, “I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth.”
Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as India's Education Minister
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party celebrated at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi after the resignation was announced. Protesters shouted patriotic slogans, played the national anthem and distributed sweets as police remained deployed in the area.
Celebrations were also reported in several other cities across India. In a post on X, the CJP said, “Cockroaches won… Democracy won!”
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told supporters, “We have done it,” after the announcement. Activist Sonam Wangchuk described the minister’s resignation as “a victory of peace, patience & perseverance.”
The CJP later confirmed it was ending the protests “in good faith” after receiving assurances from government ministers. Besides seeking Pradhan’s resignation, the movement had also demanded compensation of one crore rupees for families of students who died by suicide, no legal action against protesters and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force.
A federal minister said the government had accepted all the demands and requested protesters to end their movement peacefully. The announcement brought one of India’s biggest recent youth-led protest campaigns to a close.
The government’s acceptance of the protesters’ demands marks a significant political victory for the movement. Attention is now expected to shift towards reforms aimed at preventing future examination paper leaks and restoring confidence in the education system.
