Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday termed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation a “victory of democracy”, saying it reflected the power of peaceful and sustained public participation after weeks of nationwide protests over alleged exam irregularities.

Reacting to the development, Wangchuk said, “It’s a victory of democracy—direct democracy… straight from the streets. It’s a victory of peace, patience and perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. From accountability, now to reforms.”

His remarks came shortly after Pradhan stepped down amid continued demonstrations led by students and activists demanding accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and broader reforms in the education system.

Also Read | Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid nationwide protest

Dharmendra Pradhan says resignation is in students’ interest

Announcing his resignation on X, Dharmendra Pradhan said the decision was taken keeping students’ future in mind.

In his resignation letter, he wrote, “…To ensure that anti-national elements are not benefitted by the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their career, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister…”

The resignation follows weeks of protests in Delhi, where students and activists had sought his exit over alleged examination irregularities, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak.

Celebrations break out at Jantar Mantar after resignation announcement

The announcement triggered celebrations at Jantar Mantar, where protesters had been staging demonstrations for weeks. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who has been leading the campaign demanding Pradhan’s resignation and wider education reforms, received the news through a phone call before addressing supporters.

Also Read | ‘We have done it’: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reacts after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

“We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned,” Dipke told the gathering.

He later added, “This is a big win. It shows that the country is run by the constitution. This is just the beginning.”

Abhijeet Dipke thanks CJI Surya Kant over ‘cockroaches’ remark

Addressing supporters after the resignation, Dipke also referred to the Supreme Court remark that eventually inspired the name of the Cockroach Janta Party movement.

“Thanks for calling us cockroaches.” was his message to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

Speaking from the stage, Dipke said, “I would like to thank CJI Surya Kant. If he hadn’t called us cockroaches, I wouldn’t have come to India. This movement would not have started.”

Also Read | ‘He has resigned, but…’: CJP says protest isn’t over after Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit

The reference goes back to a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, during which the Chief Justice remarked that “there are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in the profession”. Justice Kant later clarified that the observation was directed only at holders of fake law degrees and not unemployed youth in general. Despite the clarification, the remark drew widespread attention on social media and eventually became associated with the protest movement.

FAQs:

Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign as Union Education Minister?

Dharmendra Pradhan said he resigned keeping students’ future in mind amid protests over alleged exam irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak.

What did Sonam Wangchuk say after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation?

Sonam Wangchuk called it a “victory of democracy” and credited peace, patience and perseverance while urging the nation to move from accountability to reforms.