Ranchi: Protesters, mostly Gen Z, erupted in celebrations at Albert Ekka Chowk here on Saturday after Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following sustained agitation organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over exam paper leaks in New Delhi.Holding various placards with slogans such as ‘Kuchu puchu, aap maan gaye, love you’, protesters distributed toffees and biscuits to those present at the site and commuters, hailing the victory of youths. The protesters also comprised members of different political parties, including Congress.“Youths have won one battle in their war against the flaws in the education system. We are all celebrating our victory peacefully,” said Shilpi Kumari Verma, a protester.
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Another participant, Kaif Ali, said they began their demonstration in solidarity with the Jantar Mantar protest from 11 am, but the news of resignation came as a shot in the arm for the youth power of India.“This is only the first step. We also want the dissolution of the National Testing Agency. Moreover, either PM Narendra Modi or Union home minister Amit Shah should apologise to students as, during the protests, they were termed anti-national and linked to China,” Ali said.The agitation was part of a broader campaign by students and youth groups seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in national-level examinations and demanding reforms in the exam system.All India Students’ Association (AISA), which organised a series of protests in connection with the NEET paper leak, also announced plans to hold a separate celebration at Albert Ekka Chowk later in the evening.Despite the festive atmosphere, protesters said their movement would continue until their larger demands, including changes in the examination system and action against those responsible for paper leaks, were addressed.
