India's 'cockroach' protest called off after education minister quits
Since coming to power in 2014, PM Modi's government has rarely tolerated dissent and cracked down heavily on protests, which is why Pradhan's resignation is
Since coming to power in 2014, PM Modi's government has rarely tolerated dissent and cracked down heavily on protests, which is why Pradhan's resignation is being seen as a big deal in India. But this isn't the first time they have faced big protests - and it's not the first time they been forced into a climbdown either. Back in 2021, the government repealed agriculture laws after a year-long protest by farmers. The students' protest has resonated with a large section of middle-class India, cutting across identities of religion, caste or sectors, with people voicing anger about the lack of educational opportunities and jobs in India.
Pressure grew on the government after Monday's violent crackdown when police and paramilitary forces used batons and wooden sticks to beat up young men and women, firing tear gas cans at them. About 300 people were taken to hospital. Police said at least half of the injured were security personnel and also arrested about 70 protesters - most of them have since been released on bail. After ignoring the protesters for nearly five weeks, Modi finally broke his silence on Thursday to say they had "decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks".
And later that night, Modi posted a video message saying that a tough new law on examination paper leaks was being prepared. He said he had received a draft of the law, which they wanted to introduce soon in parliament. Following Pradhan's resignation, the CJP founder Dipke said in a statement on X that the fight was not over yet. He said they would continue to fight for the families of students who died by suicide after a key medical exam was cancelled to ensure they received compensation.
He also renewed his calls for action against police officers he accused of using excessive force against protesters on 20 July on CJP supporters who tried to march to Parliament. "Remember, do not mess with [the] cockroach," he added. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, external, YouTube,, external Twitter, external and Facebook, external.
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