Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 24, a move that has emboldened the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), led by activist Abhijeet Dipke. The CJP says protests at Jantar Mantar will continue until the government meets its remaining demands.
According to the Times of India, Dipke walked to the stage after learning of Pradhan’s resignation and declared that the protests would not end until two specific demands were met: a compensation of one crore rupees for families of suicide victims, and action against police for alleged brutality on July 20. Dipke has also ended the 26‑day hunger strike that had drawn nationwide attention. The South China Morning Post described Pradhan’s resignation as a ‘major win for youth protestors’, while The Guardian noted the end of Dipke’s strike amid growing protests.
The resignation follows months of demonstrations by youth‑led movements demanding police accountability and social reforms, positioning Pradhan’s exit as a key victory for the protestors. The continued protests at the iconic Jantar Mantar public space underscore ongoing tensions between civil society and authorities.