25 July,2026 05:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over the NEET paper leak controversy, with protesters dancing, waving the national flag and chanting patriotic slogans.
The demonstration, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), turned into a celebration as supporters hugged each other, raised slogans of "Vande Mataram" and hailed the resignation as a victory for the student-led agitation.
As news of the resignation spread, protesters gathered at the demonstration site waving the tricolour and dancing to the patriotic song "Chak De! India."
Many participants also held portraits and posters of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, describing the minister's resignation as the outcome of sustained democratic protests over alleged examination irregularities.
Security arrangements remained in place at the protest venue as celebrations continued.
Addressing the gathering, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the resignation demonstrated the strength of peaceful public movements.
"They used to say that this government does not see resignations. We say the world bends if there is someone who can make it bend," he told the gathering.
The remarks were greeted with loud cheers from supporters assembled at Jantar Mantar.
Despite describing the resignation as a significant development, Dipke said the agitation would continue until the remaining demands were addressed.
He demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the examination controversy and called for action against police personnel over their conduct during the protests on July 20.
Referring to remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Dipke said: "If you had not called us 'cockroaches', I would not have returned to India. If you had not called us 'cockroaches', the youth of the country would not have come out on the streets. If you had not called us 'cockroaches', Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation would not have happened."
The statement drew applause from the crowd as celebrations continued.
Earlier in the day, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet, stating that the alleged NEET paper leak was not a matter of "individual prestige" and that he had accepted responsibility for the issue from the very beginning.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan said he was stepping down to safeguard students' interests, preserve national unity and ensure that the ongoing agitation was not exploited by anti-national forces.
While protesters welcomed the resignation as a major milestone, CJP leaders reiterated that their movement would continue until their remaining demands, including examination reforms and compensation for affected families, are addressed.
(WIth inputs from PTI)
