India’s latest street protests have been a challenge to PM Narendra Modi as politicians joined youngsters’ calls to demand action
1-MIN READ1-MIN ListenReutersPublished: 6:01pm, 25 Jul 2026India’s education minister resigned on Saturday, handing a major victory to youth protesters who had demanded he quit to take responsibility for examination paper leaks, and who erupted in celebration on news of his departure.
“We have done it,” said Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party that led the protests, to loud cheers at the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi.
Indian police clash with ‘cockroaches’ marching to protest against exam irregularities“Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar (protest site) and across the country, so that antinational forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister,” Dharmendra Pradhan wrote in his post.
“I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth.”
The minister announced his resignation on social media just as police fired tear gas to scatter young protesters in New Delhi, hours before their leaders were set to hold another round of talks with ministers.
Youngsters at the Jantar Mantar site shouted “Jai Hind”, a patriotic slogan meaning “Victory to India”.
