Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned after prolonged protests against flaws in India’s education system. He announced his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via the online service X, marking a significant concession to the “Cockroach” protest movement.

Following this announcement, the movement’s spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that their protests would cease as the government had agreed to all their demands. Celebrations erupted among the thousands gathered at the protest camp in New Delhi upon hearing the news. “We have succeeded,” exclaimed Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Movement.

How the Cockroach Movement Began

The movement started as a satirical response to a Supreme Court Chief Justice’s remarks, who reportedly called unemployed youths “cockroaches” and “parasites.” It has since evolved, demanding not only educational reforms but also increased job opportunities for young people and broad societal change.

What Sparked the Protests and Ensuing Clashes

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The immediate trigger for the protests was a scandal involving leaked examination papers for one of the country’s most crucial university entrance exams, forcing over two million candidates to retake the test. Many protestors held Pradhan politically accountable for the widespread issues in the education sector.

The situation escalated when demonstrators attempted to march to the Parliament, leading to violent clashes with the police who used batons and tear gas. Dozens were injured in the confrontations, marking one of the most significant internal challenges to Prime Minister Modi’s government since the start of his third term.

With reporting by Franziska Amler, ARD New Delhi