Pradhan announced his resignation on X on Saturday, just as police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in New Delhi, only hours before their leaders were scheduled to hold another round of talks with federal ministers.
“Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that antinational forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to Prime Minister [Narendra Modi],” Pradhan wrote in his post.
“I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth,” he added.
Pradhan also said he did not want tens of thousands of students calling for his resignation to be taken advantage of by “anti-national forces.” He said he did not want to see pupils become “entangled in legal complexities” instead of studying and building their careers.
Despite securing Pradhan’s resignation, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said three more demands remain unresolved. The movement is seeking one crore rupees (3,554) in compensation for the families of all students who died by suicide, no punitive action against people who participated in the protests, and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force paramilitary over the attacks on protesters.
In a post on X, the movement said the three demands are still “pending.”
“We won’t go like this,” founder Dipke said. “Remember, do not mess with cockroach.”
“We have done it,” said Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), to loud cheers at the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi, where authorities restricted internet access and closed 18 metro stations around the area.
Similar celebrations were also reported from other cities across the country.
Public anger has intensified since police on Monday injured many students by launching baton charges, firing tear gas, and allegedly using pellet guns to deter crowds of protesters marching toward parliament.
A second round of talks between senior members of the group and the government was due to take place on Saturday. It remains unclear whether that meeting will still proceed. Talks were also held on Friday.
Earlier, the Modi government attempted to ease tensions by announcing fast-track courts for cases involving examination paper leaks and stating that it would introduce legislation to strengthen measures against cheating and corruption in the examination system.
The protests, among the most visible signs of public dissent against Modi’s government in recent years, reflected growing anger over job scarcity, corruption, and government accountability, while Pradhan’s resignation marked a significant development in the nationwide agitation.
About The Author
Comment List