India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following days of massive nationwide protests led by students demanding accountability over the leak of a major medical college entrance examination. The resignation marks one of the most significant political setbacks for Prime Minister Narendra Modi since returning to office and is being celebrated by protesters as a historic victory for India's youth.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the epicenter of the movement, where crowds celebrated with patriotic chants, dancing and the distribution of sweets after the minister announced his decision to step down.

"We have done it," declared Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, which organized the demonstrations. Protesters responded with loud cheers, describing the resignation as proof that peaceful civic action can bring political change.

Exam leak sparks nationwide outrage

The protests were triggered by the leak of the highly competitive medical college entrance examination held in May, affecting approximately 2 million students across India. The scandal forced authorities to cancel the original results and organize a new examination, fueling widespread anger among young people concerned about fairness and transparency in the country's education system.

In a statement posted on social media, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Modi to prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation. He also expressed respect for "the aspirations, feelings and legitimate expectations of the country's youth."

The resignation came just hours before protest leaders were scheduled to hold another round of talks with government officials.

A rare political concession

The demonstrations evolved into one of the largest street protest movements India has witnessed in recent years. Opposition parties backed the students, disrupted parliamentary proceedings and criticized the government's handling of the crisis, particularly after police used batons and tear gas against protesters earlier in the week.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 26-day hunger strike in support of the students, described the minister's resignation as "a victory of peace, patience and perseverance."

As celebrations spread across New Delhi, authorities restored mobile internet services around the protest area after restricting access for most of the week. Security remained tight, with around 1,000 police officers deployed near the demonstration site.

Pressure shifts to Prime Minister Modi

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the resignation but argued that it was not enough. He called for accountability over the police response and urged Prime Minister Modi to apologize for the force used against student demonstrators.

Pradhan becomes only the second minister to resign over a public scandal during Modi's tenure since 2014, underscoring the political significance of the controversy.

Although protesters celebrated the minister's departure, movement leaders insisted their broader campaign for education reform and government accountability will continue.

"Remember, do not mess with cockroach," protest leader Abhijeet Dipke said after declaring victory, reaffirming that India's youth movement intends to remain a powerful force in the country's political landscape.