Celebrations Erupt at Jantar Mantar Following Education Minister's Resignation

Major Victory for Protesters

New Delhi, July 25: A wave of jubilation swept through Jantar Mantar on Saturday as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down amid the NEET-UG paper leak scandal. Protesters celebrated this development as a significant triumph in their month-long struggle.

Members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) danced, waved the national flag, and chanted slogans of "Vande Mataram" as the news of Pradhan's resignation circulated among the crowd.

Patriotic anthems resonated from the stage, while demonstrators displayed portraits of Dr. B R Ambedkar and carried posters outlining their demands.

During the gathering, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke remarked that the resignation exemplified the strength of democratic protests.

"They claimed this government was impervious to resignations. We assert that the world can be swayed if there are those willing to make it happen," he stated to the supporters.

While they celebrated Pradhan's departure, Dipke emphasized that their protests would persist until all their demands were fulfilled, including a compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of students who allegedly took their own lives due to the examination controversy, and accountability for police officers accused of excessive force during the July 20 Parliament march.

"We will not back down... Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, but the families of the deceased students deserve Rs 1 crore in compensation. Additionally, action must be taken against the police who acted violently against protesters on July 20," he asserted.

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk also hailed the resignation as "a victory for democracy," attributing the outcome to the nationwide student-led protests and public involvement.

Describing it as "a victory of peace, patience, and perseverance," Wangchuk congratulated the CJP, the younger generation, and citizens nationwide for their participation in the protests regarding the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

"Kudos to the CJP, the youth of the nation, and heartfelt thanks to all citizens for overcoming fear and rising up from every corner of the country," he expressed.

The celebrations were briefly overshadowed by a moment of reflection as protesters observed a two-minute silence in honor of students whose deaths have been linked to the NEET controversy.

Dipke bowed before the crowd and read out the names of the students before the silence was observed.

He later accused the authorities of trying to distract from the real issues affecting students.

"The youth of this nation will not be drawn into Hindu-Muslim politics. If you get caught up in that, papers will be leaked, and students will suffer," he warned, inciting chants from the crowd.

Dipke also referenced Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's alleged "cockroach" comment during court proceedings, claiming it inadvertently bolstered their movement.

"Had you not referred to us as cockroaches, the youth would not have taken to the streets. If you hadn't called us cockroaches, Dharmendra Pradhan would not have resigned," he remarked.

Earlier in the day, Pradhan announced his resignation, stating that the NEET-UG paper leak issue was not about "individual prestige" and that he had accepted responsibility from the outset.

He cautioned against anti-national elements exploiting the situation and mentioned that he submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the sake of students and national unity.

The CJP initiated its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding Pradhan's resignation, compensation for affected families, and legal action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak. The agitation intensified following police actions against demonstrators during the July 20 Parliament march.

Wangchuk later joined the movement and undertook a 26-day hunger strike, which he concluded on Friday after receiving assurances from the government, further energizing the campaign that led to Pradhan's resignation.