Education Minister’s Resignation Ends India’s Student ‘Cockroach’ Protests

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, his government has shown little tolerance for dissent and has cracked down heavily on protests. In this context, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is viewed as a significant development in India.

This episode is not the first major protest the administration has faced, nor is it the first time it has been forced to retreat. In 2021, the government repealed controversial agricultural laws after a year‑long farmers’ demonstration.

The student movement has struck a chord with a broad segment of middle‑class India, transcending religion, caste and sectoral divides. Demonstrators have voiced anger over limited educational opportunities and scarce employment prospects.

Tensions escalated after a violent police crackdown on Monday, when security forces and paramilitaries used batons, wooden sticks and tear‑gas canisters against young men and women.

Approximately 300 people were taken to hospital. Authorities reported that at least half of the injured were security personnel, and around 70 protesters were arrested; most have since been released on bail.

After weeks of silence, Prime Minister Modi addressed the issue on Thursday, announcing the establishment of fast‑track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.

Later that evening, Modi posted a video message stating that a tougher law on paper‑leak scandals was being drafted. He said a draft had been prepared and would be introduced in parliament soon.

Following Pradhan’s resignation, CJP founder Dipke released a statement on X, declaring that the battle was far from over.

He pledged to continue advocating for the families of students who died by suicide after a pivotal medical exam was cancelled, seeking compensation for them.

Dipke also repeated his demands for disciplinary action against police officers accused of using excessive force against protesters on 20 July, when supporters attempted to march to Parliament.

“Remember, do not mess with the cockroach,” he concluded.

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