In New Delhi, a protest area called Jantar Mantar became a place of celebration in late July. For over a month, it had been a place of conflict with police. But on July 25, 2026, the mood changed. Music played, young people shouted patriotic slogans, and shared sweets. Mobile phone service, which had been turned off, returned.
This celebration marked an important political event. Dharmendra Pradhan, India's Union Education Minister, had resigned from his position to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pradhan, 57, was the second minister to resign since Modi became prime minister in 2014. His resignation was caused by a youth organization that called itself after a common insect.
The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, started as an internet joke. It began after India's Chief Justice Surya Kant referred to unemployed citizens as "cockroaches." Abhijeet Dipke, a graduate, used this label to start the CJP.
What began as a joke became a large national movement. The main reason was a major security problem with the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). This important exam for medical schools had problems in May, affecting about two million students. Authorities had to cancel the first test and arrange a new one.
The exam cheating caused anger among young Indians about corruption, lack of jobs, and government indifference. Protests happened across the country. Students boycotted classes. Educator Sonam Wangchuk, 59, supported the cause by not eating for 26 days.
On July 20 and 21, tensions were high. Thousands of protesters tried to march to Parliament in New Delhi. Police used force to stop them, causing injuries. The government closed subway stations and cut communication services.
Finally, the pressure became too much. Prime Minister Modi posted a video expressing concern about the exam leaks and promising action.
On July 25, Pradhan announced his resignation, stating it was to prevent "anti-national forces" from using the situation. President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation, and Pralhad Joshi took over as the new education minister.
The government agreed to drop charges against protesters and provide financial help to families of students who died. New rules were introduced to punish exam fraud with large fines and prison sentences. The government also agreed to review a proposal from the CJP.
After negotiations, the youth movement agreed to stop protesting. "The Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith," said spokesperson Saurav Das.
Opposition leaders welcomed the minister's resignation but asked for accountability for police actions. For the young protesters, however, it was a victory against the government.