India education minister resigns after weeks of "Cockroach" protests
India's education minister resigned Saturday after weeks of protests that demanded his removal over irregularities in the education system.
Updated on: July 25, 2026 / 8:54 AM EDT / AP
The nation's "Cockroach" movement then called off its weeks of protests, saying the government had accepted all of its demand after Pradhan's resignation.
Pradhan announced the decision in a post on X, handing a major victory to movement, which has spearheaded nationwide demonstrations, sit-ins and hunger strikes . His resignation also marks the first significant concession by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to one of the most visible waves of public dissent it has faced in recent years.
"Remember, do not mess with (the) cockroach," Abhijeet Dipke, a movement leader, said in a written statement.
The movement began more than a month ago after allegations of leaks in some of India's biggest entrance exams. It started as a call for education reforms but has grown into a broader protest over unemployment, government accountability and economic opportunities. Students, professionals, families and activists have joined rallies in New Delhi and other cities across India.