India’s education minister resigns after weeks of ‘Cockroach’ protests

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, July 25, 2026, after weeks of nationwide youth-led demonstrations over examination paper leaks. The outlet described the move as the first major concession by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to protesters who had demanded Pradhan accept responsibility for the scandal.

According to Al Jazeera, Pradhan announced the decision on X while police in New Delhi used tear gas to disperse demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, ahead of expected further talks between protest leaders and federal ministers. In his post, Pradhan said he had sent his resignation to Modi because of the situation in the capital and across the country, and said he respected the concerns and expectations of young people. He also warned that “anti-national forces” should not be allowed to exploit the unrest.

The protests have been associated with the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, a satirical political movement formed to channel youth anger. Al Jazeera reported that crowds in New Delhi and elsewhere celebrated the resignation, while the CJP posted that “Cockroaches” and democracy had won. Authorities had restricted internet access and closed access to 18 metro stations in an effort to contain demonstrations in the capital.

The unrest has centered on demands for accountability over exam leaks, but Al Jazeera said it also reflects wider frustration among young Indians over jobs, corruption and governance. Protesters are also seeking assurances that participants will not face criminal charges and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the leaks. It was unclear from the report whether planned talks would proceed after the resignation.