Thousands of protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi celebrated on Saturday after news emerged that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had resigned amid a continuing movement over alleged question-paper leaks. Demonstrators chanted that the “dictator” had been defeated, danced with national flags, embraced one another and described the resignation as a major success for their campaign.

Pradhan submitted his resignation to the prime minister on Saturday. He said the decision was not a matter of personal dignity and that developments over the past 10 days had deeply disturbed him. Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, led the gathering, waved the national flag and played A. R. Rahman’s rendition of Vande Mataram. Some participants danced to Chak De India, while others carried portraits and posters of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Dipke said the resignation showed democratic movements could not be ignored, but declared that the protest was not over. He demanded 1 crore rupees in compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the paper leaks, an inquiry into police conduct during the July 20 protest, and action against those responsible. Student Ritika urged continued protests until education reforms are promised.