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From ‘Cockroaches Won’ to ‘Win to Protesters’: Here's how US media covering Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party. Here's how US media is responding.

Published on: Jul 25, 2026, 18:30:42 IST
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Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan resigns LIVE: Internet restored at Jantar Mantar after CJP ends protest, govt accepts demands

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation comes after escalating protests by students and activists over the examination system, marking a significant victory for the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party during a nationwide uprising. (File photo)
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation comes after escalating protests by students and activists over the examination system, marking a significant victory for the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party during a nationwide uprising. (File photo)

US media covers CJP protest and Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

US media outlets, including CNN and the Washington Post, reported on the protests in India and the resignation of Pradhan. As the trend of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation gains traction online, here are some attention-grabbing headlines from US media.

“India's education minister resigns in major victory for youth-led 'Cockroach' movement,” The Washington Post states.

"India's education minister steps down after weeks of protests led by "Cockroach" party," CBS News says.

“India’s education minister resigns amid Cockroach youth movement protests,” The Guardian states.

“India’s education minister resigns after days of ‘Cockroach’ youth protests over exam paper leaks," CNN reports.

“India’s Education Minister Steps Down, Handing Win to Protesters,” The New York Times states.

“‘Cockroaches won’: India’s education minister resigns amid massive youth protests,” NBC News says.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Here's what's happening in New Delhi

In New Delhi, throngs of students and activists took to the streets in celebration after the announcement, with many proudly waving Indian flags.

The controversy has been escalating since May, when online leaks compromised the NEET undergraduate examination, a highly competitive entry point to medical schools in India.

The CJP, which derives its name from a comment made by India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant likening unemployed youth to "cockroaches," has emerged as the most significant challenge to Modi during his 12 years in office.

In addition to the minister's resignation, the protesters called for compensation for the families of students who took their own lives following the leaks of the exam papers, as well as accountability regarding the police's suppression of their demonstrations.

“The families of the children who committed suicide should receive compensation” of one crore rupees ($100,000), CJP posted Saturday. “And second, these police goons who acted on the 20th. Action must be taken against the police officers for that.”

“Remember, do not mess with cockroaches,” it added.

Sonam Wangchuk hails ‘victory of peace’

Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike for 26 days, reacted to Pradhan's resignation, calling it a “a victory of peace, patience & 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,” he wrote on X.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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