Celebrations erupted across Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed a jubilant crowd from the main stage, hailing the decision as a decisive triumph of democratic perseverance.
"Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar mein istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned."
Dipke emphasized that Pradhan's departure validates weeks of peaceful resistance over examination irregularities and paper leak controversies, demonstrating that ordinary citizens can hold high-ranking officials accountable. The announcement sparked cheers and slogans across the protest site, fulfilling the core demand that had previously brought negotiations with central representatives to a standstill.
"Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. And this resignation is proof that if you people are not afraid, if you people do not bow down to this government, then we can take the resignation of anyone."
Remaining Demands
Despite the landmark victory, CJP leadership cautioned supporters that the agitation will continue until all outstanding conditions are formally resolved. Dipke reiterated that the movement is standing firm on two additional points before calling off demonstrations:
- Compensation for Families: Financial assistance of ₹1 crore for the families of students who tragically died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
- Police Accountability: Strict disciplinary and legal action against officers responsible for the administrative crackdown on demonstrators on July 20.
"There's no need to be afraid. This is democracy. He has resigned, but we have two more demands. We won't go like this... The families of the children who committed suicide should receive compensation of one crore rupees. And second, these police goons who acted on the 20th—action must be taken against the police officers for that. Remember, do not mess with cockroaches.
Before resuming discussions ahead of the scheduled talks with government officials, Dipke led the crowd in a solemn two-minute silence, reading out the names of students lost during the crisis to honor their memory and reaffirm the movement's resolve.
