Indian Education Minister Quits Following Youth-Led Protests

AP

India's youth protests.

India's Education Minister resigned on Saturday, handing a significant victory to youth protesters whose demonstrations over examination paper leaks had developed into one of the most serious political challenges facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the focal point of the protests, as thousands of young demonstrators gathered to chant slogans, wave flags and celebrate the minister's resignation. The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organised the protests, announced that it would end its demonstrations following the announcement.

The nationwide protests, among the largest seen in India in recent years, intensified pressure on the government after allegations of widespread examination paper leaks sparked public outrage among students and job seekers. The demonstrations gained political momentum this week as several opposition parties expressed support for the protesters and disrupted parliamentary proceedings.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation in a post on X.

"Considering the ⁠situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation ... I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister," Pradhan wrote.

"I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth."



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