India's education minister resigns after mass 'Cockroach' youth protests

Jul 23, 2026

India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after weeks of nationwide "Cockroach" youth protests over a massive exam leak scandal affecting millions. The CJP movement, which began as online satire, forced the first resignation due to public pressure in PM Modi's government. Protesters celebrated the victory but vow to continue their campaign for compensation for student suicides and action against police for violent crackdowns.

Examination paper leak scandal

▪The demonstrations were initially triggered by alleged leaks of competitive entrance exams for medical colleges, with reports first circulating on May 3.
▪The protests expanded to include broader issues like youth unemployment, government accountability, and a lack of economic opportunities.
▪The leak of a national medical college entrance test in May affected about two million students.

Minister resignation announcement

▪India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned on Saturday, July 25, 2026, following weeks of nationwide protests.
▪Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on the social media platform X, stating he did not want "anti-national forces" to exploit the situation.
▪Pradhan's resignation is the first time a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has been forced to step down due to public pressure.

Cockroach Janta Party protests

▪The CJP was founded by Abhijeet Dipke after India's Chief Justice Surya Kant allegedly compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches."
▪The protests were led by the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP), a youth movement that began as online satire.
▪Activist Sonam Wangchuk supported the movement with a 26-day hunger strike.

Additional protester demands

▪The CJP also demands action against police officers accused of using excessive force and that no punitive action be taken against protesters.
▪Following the resignation, CJP leaders stated their campaign would continue for additional demands.
▪Further demands include compensation of one crore rupees ($103,554) for families of students who died by suicide over the exam leaks.

Police crackdown on protesters

▪On Monday, July 20, police in New Delhi used tear gas and batons on protesters marching toward Parliament, injuring several students.
▪To limit the protests, authorities restricted internet access and closed up to 18 metro stations in the capital.

Youth celebration after victory

▪News of the resignation sparked celebrations among thousands of protesters, with the CJP declaring "DEMOCRACY WINS!" on social media.
▪Protesters celebrated by embracing, waving the Indian flag, and chanting patriotic slogans like "Jai Hind" ("Victory to India").