Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was only the beginning of a larger struggle, even as he credited the protesting students for forcing the government to act. “Don’t make me hero, this is our first step towards victory,” Dipke said after Pradhan stepped down amid the NEET paper leak controversy.
The CJP founder also announced a nationwide candlelight march and silent vigil at 6 pm today, calling it a tribute to the students who suffered because of the alleged irregularities. His remarks came shortly after Pradhan resigned and said he had done so in the larger interest of students and to prevent the issue from derailing their futures.
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CJP spokesperson Saurav Das also welcomed the resignation, describing it as a victory for India’s democratic and constitutional values. The party, however, has made it clear that the agitation is not over yet. According to the CJP leadership, demands for accountability, compensation for affected families and action against those responsible for the alleged wrongdoing remain on the table.
Pradhan, in his resignation note, said the government had already taken steps such as handing the case to the CBI, cancelling the exam and moving toward a CBT-based format from next year. He said his decision was meant to protect students from uncertainty and allow the education system to move forward.
The resignation has given a major boost to the student-led protests, but the CJP appears set to continue its campaign until all its demands are addressed.
