Student protesters across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, calling it a major victory for the youth-led movement that has dominated national headlines over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Despite welcoming the minister’s resignation, protest leaders said their campaign would continue until all of their demands are fulfilled. Celebrations erupted at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar shortly after news of Pradhan’s resignation broke, with thousands of students chanting patriotic slogans and marking what they described as a victory for student power.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed supporters, declaring, “We have done it,” as protesters celebrated the development. The CJP later posted on social media that the resignation was the direct result of sustained student pressure, describing it as a triumph for the movement.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk also welcomed the resignation, calling it a “victory of democracy” and praising the peaceful protests led by Generation Z students. He congratulated the CJP and urged authorities to focus on meaningful education reforms rather than simply assigning accountability.
The protests have become one of the largest youth-led movements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, drawing support from opposition parties and civil society groups. Demonstrators have demanded greater transparency in India’s examination system following allegations of question paper leaks in major entrance exams.
Public anger intensified after police reportedly used baton charges and tear gas against protesters earlier this week. Protest organizers claimed dozens of students were injured during clashes as demonstrators marched toward Parliament, further fueling nationwide support for the movement.
Authorities imposed restrictions across parts of Delhi, including internet disruptions and the closure of 18 metro stations, but thousands of protesters continued gathering at Jantar Mantar.
Following the celebrations, Dipke emphasized that Pradhan’s resignation marked only the first achievement of the campaign. He said the movement would continue until its remaining demands are met, including compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide, protection from legal action for protesters, and a public apology from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Delhi Police over the handling of demonstrations.
The Cockroach Janta Party said it would continue nationwide protests until the government addresses the remaining demands.
Also read: Youth-Led Cockroach Janta Party Stages First Public Protest in Delhi
