Dharmendra Pradhan faces calls for resignation as the youth-led Cockroach movement protests examination paper leaks in New Delhi.
Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Education Minister, is facing significant pressure to resign following a surge in public anger over leaks in competitive entrance examinations. The protests are being spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led movement that emerged after Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches." The movement has gained national momentum, drawing thousands of protesters to New Delhi. While the immediate trigger was the loss of time and preparation for students due to leaked exams, the movement has evolved into a broader demand for government accountability. Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the cause with a three-week hunger strike, further increasing the movement's visibility. Although Dharmendra Pradhan initially defended the government's response by ordering fresh examinations, the administration has shifted toward a more conciliatory stance as the protests grew. While the minister has committed to addressing the concerns of the youth during the current Parliament session, he has yet to officially accept the core demand of his resignation.