Protesters demand transparency regarding Dharmendra Pradhan’s future in the government. Police used baton charges and tear gas, resulting in injuries to several students. Leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) warn that unless Pradhan resigns, the protests may escalate and spread further.
The Indian government is scheduled to hold new talks on Saturday with leaders of the youth-led protests that caused disruptions earlier this week. These demonstrations, the largest youth challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since his election in 2014, are gaining momentum. Opposition parties have also echoed the protesters’ calls, disrupting the current parliamentary monsoon session.
Despite the closure of 18 metro stations in the city, thousands of CJP supporters gathered in central Delhi, affirming their commitment to their cause. “They’ve scheduled a discussion between 3:30 and 4 p.m. today,” said Ashutosh Ranka, the party’s national spokesperson. “We need a clear answer about Dharmendra Pradhan’s role moving forward. Will he resign or not? We want an explicit yes or no.”
Tensions have increased since police action on Monday, which involved baton charges and tear gas that injured many students. The protests, mostly led by young people, stem from widespread frustration over job shortages, corruption, and government accountability. They intensified following leaks of exam questions for critical entrance tests, revealing significant flaws in the education system.
During Friday’s negotiations, representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka warned that unless Pradhan resigned, the protests would continue to grow. These discussions followed the recent end of a 26-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk, fueling hopes for a breakthrough.
The government continues to enforce a mobile internet shutdown in the protest area, now extending into the fifth day. Protesters, however, remain undeterred. “They can shut down the internet, metro, and bus services—all they want. It won’t stop us. People eager to join will still come,” stated Rahul Raj, a 34-year-old protester.
The movement was reignited by the leak of exam papers for medical school admission tests, which forced over two million candidates to retake exams and highlighted systemic inadequacies. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the education minister and comprehensive reform of the examination process.