Indian education minister resigns following nationwide youth protests

Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned Saturday, handing a significant victory to youth protesters nationwide. The demonstrators had demanded his resignation to hold him accountable for examination paper leaks.

Pradhan announced his resignation on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, just as police fired tear gas to scatter young protesters in New Delhi. He stated his decision was made to prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation. "I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth," Pradhan wrote.

“

Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation ... I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister.

Cheers erupted among thousands of protesters gathered in central Delhi and other locations upon hearing the news. Federal authorities had restricted internet access and closed 18 metro stations in an effort to contain the protests in the capital. Anger has been escalating since Monday, when police injured many students with batons and tear gas during marches on parliament.

The protests, largely led by young people, were triggered by leaks of question papers for high-stakes entrance exams. They also reflect widespread discontent over job scarcity, corruption, and a lack of government accountability.

“

I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth.