Delhi Protests Turn Violent as Youth Demand Education Minister’s Resignation

Clashes broke out between police and protesters in New Delhi late Wednesday as thousands demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan gathered for a second straight week over exam paper leaks.

Tear Gas Used as Crowd Swells

More than 10,000 people gathered at the Jantar Mantar protest site, according to local media. Police fired tear gas and used canes after some protesters threw stones and plastic bottles, injuring several officers. The unrest follows a larger march on parliament earlier in the week.

Movement Poses Rare Challenge to Modi

The protests, led by the self styled Cockroach Janta Party, have grown into the biggest youth-driven challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group would continue protesting for as long as necessary until Pradhan steps down over exam leaks that affected roughly 2 million students in May.

Government Offers Talks, Opposition Stands Firm

Modi’s government has held initial talks with protest leaders and proposed exam system reforms, but opposition figures, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, say Pradhan’s resignation remains non-negotiable. Delhi Metro shut 16 stations Thursday over security concerns.