India's Education Minister Quits as 'Cockroach' Protesters Win Every Demand

India's education minister resigned on Saturday after weeks of youth-led protests over a cascade of examination paper leaks, handing the movement that calls itself the Cockroaches a victory that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had spent a month trying to avoid.

Dharmendra Pradhan announced the decision on X, hours before protest leaders were due to meet federal ministers again and while police were firing tear gas to disperse crowds in central New Delhi. "Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that antinational forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to Prime Minister," he wrote, adding that he "deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth."

Within hours, the Cockroach Janta Party — the satirical outfit that grew out of a social media joke into the most visible protest movement India has seen in years — called off the demonstrations. "All our demands have been accepted, so we request the protesters to withdraw immediately and return home peacefully," spokesman Ashutosh Ranka said after meeting ministers. Beyond Pradhan's removal, the group had demanded 10 million rupees, about $103,500, for the families of students who died by suicide after being ordered to retake leaked exams; no punitive action against protesters; and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force over their handling of the crowds. A federal minister said the government accepted all of them.

At Jantar Mantar, where authorities had restricted internet access and closed 18 metro stations, protesters shouted "Jai Hind" as the national anthem played over loudspeakers and sweets were passed through a crowd watched by at least 1,000 police. "We have done it," CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told supporters. The party posted on X: "Cockroaches won… Democracy won!" Celebrations followed in other cities. "Young generation is here. This is win for the constitution," said protester Tluanga Ralte, carrying a copy of the Indian constitution. "We are not a lazy generation."

The movement began over leaked question papers in some of India's largest entrance examinations — the tests that decide access to medical schools, engineering colleges and government jobs for millions of students each year — then widened into a broader revolt over unemployment, corruption and official accountability. Anger boiled over on Monday, when police used baton charges, tear gas and, protesters allege, pellet guns against marchers heading for parliament.

Modi's government had tried a series of off-ramps: fast-track courts for exam leak cases, promised anti-cheating legislation, and an unusually personal self-shot video in which the prime minister said he was upset by the leaks. Protesters refused to move without Pradhan's resignation. Pradhan, 57, is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party figure who has held ministerial office since Modi first took power in 2014, running petroleum and steel before taking education in 2021. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed his exit but said officers who injured students "have to be held accountable." Dipke's parting message was less conciliatory: "Remember, do not mess with cockroach."