India's 'Cockroach' Movement Vows to Continue After Education Minister's Resignation

India's youth-led "Cockroach" movement has pledged to continue its campaign for broader reforms after successfully forcing Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign following weeks of nationwide protests.

The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), were sparked by repeated examination paper leaks and demands for greater accountability in India's education system. Thousands of students occupied New Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site, making the resignation of the education minister one of their central demands.

Following the minister's resignation, protest leaders called off the demonstrations, describing the development as a major victory but insisting that their movement is far from over.

The government has agreed to compensate families of students who reportedly died by suicide following exam-related controversies and promised to withdraw criminal cases against many protesters in states governed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, activists say concerns remain over arrests made in several states and have continued to demand accountability for the police crackdown on protesters earlier this month.

CJP leaders said they are now considering expanding their agenda beyond education to address wider social and governance issues. The movement plans to engage communities through public meetings and consultations while deciding whether it should eventually become a political party.

Political analysts believe the movement has emerged as one of the most significant youth-led challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in recent years, although its long-term strategy remains uncertain.

Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, welcomed the minister's resignation but called for further investigations into the police response during the protests. Other opposition parties also urged the government to strengthen examination systems and improve employment opportunities for young people.

While the immediate protests have ended, CJP leaders say they will continue organizing across the country, insisting that their campaign for accountability and reform has only just begun.

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