Indian education minister steps down amid nationwide protests

Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tenders his resignation following weeks of youth-led "cockroach" protests over alleged student paper leaks.

Despite activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike on Friday, New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Dharamsala saw thousands of people swarming the streets after repeated leaks of high-stakes entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs.

The crowds cheered after the education minister announced his resignation. Demonstrators pledged to press on, as they insisted on comprehensive examination reforms, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide.

Emerged in May, the Cockroach Janta Party's satirical campaign turned into a national movement that has erupted across India, and became one of the most visible signs of public dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in recent years.