Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on Saturday, delivering a crucial victory to student protesters nationwide who had demanded his ousting due to accountability for leaked exam materials that ignited public outrage, according to reports.
Pradhan revealed his resignation on X just as police deployed tear gas to disperse protesters in New Delhi, mere hours before their leaders were slated to engage in further discussions with officials.
“Considering the situation that arose at Jantar Mantar and across the country, to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting this situation… I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister,” Pradhan stated in his post. “I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the youth of the country.”
His resignation represents one of Prime Minister Modi’s most significant defeats, according to sources.
Cheers erupted among the thousands of protesters gathered in central Delhi and beyond as news of his resignation spread.
In an attempt to control the protests in the capital, federal authorities restricted internet access and closed 18 metro stations.
Protests Sparked by Exam Fraud
Anger peaked after police injured numerous students on Monday, using batons and tear gas to deter crowds marching toward parliament.
The “bug” movement was initiated by 30-year-old political communication strategist Abhijeet Dipke.
The name arose after a Supreme Court official compared critical unemployed youths to “bugs” and “parasites,” leading the movement to mobilize millions against exam fraud and unemployment. The magistrate’s remark spurred the establishment of a so-called “Bug Party.”
Dipke has emerged as the emblematic figure of what is considered the largest street protest in India against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since he took office in 2014.
In the past week, tens of thousands have congregated in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid leaks concerning the medical college entrance exam, which affected approximately 2 million students in May and were linked to multiple student suicides.
