From hundreds to thousands: How India's 'cockroach' protest movement has grown

India's education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after more than a week of nationwide street protests led largely by young people, following the cancellation of the NEET medical entrance exam over a leaked question paper that forced nearly two million students to retake the test. The protests, organized under a campaign called the Cockroach Janta Party, grew after Delhi police forcibly removed hunger-striking educator Sonam Wangchuk and after tens of thousands marched on parliament on July 20, prompting a police crackdown with baton charges, tear gas and pellet guns. Police have charged more than 100 protesters with offenses including attempted murder and arrested more than 40, even as some protest organizers say the government pledged not to act against demonstrators. Government data show youth unemployment among 15- to 29-year-olds rose to 16.2% in June from 13.8% a year earlier, a grievance cited by protesters alongside the exam scandal.