Jantar Mantar Celebrates as Education Minister Resigns Amid Student Uprising
Indiadailyupdate.com – Chants of “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Vande Mataram” echoed through Jantar Mantar on Saturday as news broke that BJP’s Dharmendra Pradhan had tendered his resignation from the Union Education Minister position. The nearly month-long demonstration, which originated in Delhi’s historic monument, had expanded to encompass the entire nation. Gen-Z demonstrators, who spearheaded this movement, expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome.
“It’s a big victory for the movement,” declared Sarthak, representing the Disha Students’ Organisation. Vaibhav, an activist affiliated with the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), added, “We, the students, are very happy.”
From Meme Page to National Movement
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) initially emerged as a satirical social media account created by political communications strategist Abhijit Dipke. On June 20, the group officially commenced its protest demanding Pradhan’s departure. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk subsequently participated in the demonstration and initiated an indefinite hunger strike beginning June 28.
Massive crowds joined the cause after Wangchuk was forcibly transported to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18. The movement gained additional momentum following the scheduled Sansad Chalo march on July 20, which was met with police intervention resulting in injuries to numerous demonstrators. Internet platforms witnessed viral circulation of memes and footage showing wounded protesters, attracting even more participants to the cause.
Victory with Continued Struggle Ahead
After several negotiation rounds, Pradhan agreed to step down. The CJP suspended its agitation once the government accepted their key demands, including the withdrawal of First Information Reports against demonstrators and guarantees that no punitive measures would be pursued against them going forward.
Despite celebrating this achievement, protesters emphasized their mission extends beyond a single victory. “The movement doesn’t end here,” Sarthak asserted. “We had said from the start that we are cockroaches, and we need to clean the system. We are talking about education for all. There should be no paper leaks, and we are demanding the scrapping of the NEP and the NTA,” Vaibhav explained.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the significance of this development in a video message: “It’s a first step, but a huge step in reshaping our education system. Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you.”
