Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was a victory for CJP — and Modi. Here’s why

CJP protesters at Parliament Street. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav) Rarely does a mass movement end with every major stakeholder claiming some measure of success. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as India’s Education Minister is such a moment. While Pradhan resigned, the movement also reshaped Indian politics by creating unexpected winners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unlikely winner Many viewed his acceptance of Pradhan’s resignation as a capitulation. Yet, by conceding to the protesters’ principal demand, Modi demonstrated political pragmatism. His government initially followed its familiar script — questioning the motives of Sonam Wangchuk and other leaders, and attempting to weaken the movement by removing Wangchuk from Jantar Man