Indian 'Cockroach' movement demands answer on Education Minister's resignation

India's youth movement, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), known as "Cucarachas," is pressing the government for a definitive answer on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demand comes ahead of a new round of discussions aimed at de-escalating protests concerning alleged irregularities in official examinations.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that the movement expects a simple "yes or no" response regarding Pradhan's continuation in office. This follows the government's request for time until Saturday to address the protesters' primary demand. Ranka emphasized the need for clarity on Pradhan's status and also requested written confirmation on points where the government had previously expressed in-principle agreement.

During a meeting on Friday, CJP representatives reported progress on two of their three demands: compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and the withdrawal of legal cases against students involved in protests. However, the issue of Pradhan's resignation remained unresolved.

Government sources, cited by NDTV, indicated that Pradhan's resignation is "not on the table" and that the administration supports the minister. Nevertheless, the government is reportedly preparing measures to rectify shortcomings within the National Testing Agency, the body responsible for several official exams. Ranka warned that if Pradhan does not resign, the CJP will issue a new national call for mobilization. Meanwhile, metro services in central Delhi experienced disruptions, with 18 stations closed, and mobile internet services have been intermittently cut in areas near protest sites.

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We need clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan: if they will ask for his resignation or not.