India protest: How Modi’s refusal to sack education minister fits a pattern
Protesters in India are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread examination paper leaks. The article frames this as part of a broader pattern of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's refusal to dismiss ministers despite public controversy.
Why it matters
The protests represent a significant challenge to the current administration's governance style and highlight growing youth-led political activism in India.
Protesters want Dharmendra Pradhan to be sacked over serial exam leaks. But that’s not how Modi works.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info People hold placards demanding resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at a protest in Mumbai on June 2, 2026 [Indranil Mukherjee/AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 22 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026 Thousands of supporters of India’s youth-led “cockroach” movement have been camping in the capital, New Delhi, for more than a month to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a series of examination paper leaks.
The Gen Z-led protests, during which more than 100 people were severely wounded in baton and tear gas attacks by police on Monday, represent the biggest public challenge to Hindu majoritarian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule so far in his third term.
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