Thiruvananthapuram: Following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, triggered by nationwide protests over the NEET examination leak led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), political leaders in Kerala across party lines, including Chief Minister V D Satheesan, have characterised the event as a monumental success for student resistance.

In an official statement, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan extended his congratulations to the nation’s youth, remarking that Pradhan’s exit became unavoidable once attempts to quell student demonstrations faltered.

"Big salute to the Indian youth whose determination and courage made this possible. I welcome Pradhan's resignation, which came after attempts to beat down and suppress protesting students failed," Satheesan said.

He further pointed out that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi alongside other opposition groups had maintained steadfast support for the student community throughout the movement.

"Despite serious allegations against Pradhan, the Prime Minister and the BJP tried to shield him. But in the end, he had to step down in disgrace following the protests," Satheesan observed, describing the turn of events as "a historic victory" where authoritarian measures were forced to yield to public resolve.

Criticising the administration's response to the demonstrations, he added, "Examinations like NEET must be conducted in a transparent and error-free manner. The Centre should never again gamble with the future and lives of students."

State Higher Education Minister Roji M John attributed the outcome to coordinated nationwide activism. In a social media post, he shared that “the edge of time and history's sword has not broken, the struggles do not cease," adding, "Following relentless and united struggles across the entire nation, Pradhan has resigned. Long live democracy”.

State Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna noted that the Central government had “bowed before the anger of the youth”. Expressing solidarity with the families of the 20 young individuals who died during the course of the protests, she urged the government to offer financial compensation, institutional support, and an immediate dismissal of criminal charges against peaceful student activists.

Left leaders similarly welcomed the development. CPM Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim highlighted the power of sustained public action, invoking Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it's done," while emphasising that "the struggles do not stop”. Former Minister and CPM leader P Rajeev shared images from the demonstrations, calling it a “historical victory”.

CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam described the resignation as a turning point that shattered notions of political invincibility. "If the Modi government first suffered defeat before the farmers' movement, it has now been defeated by the united struggle of students and the people," Viswam stated.

In a sharp reaction, State Forest Minister Shibu Baby John remarked that
“even a 56-inch chest can be brought down by a few cockroaches”, stating that “When the country, its students and its people stand united without fear, the RSS, the BJP and Modi will have no option but to bow before them”.

Marking the announcement, student and youth organisations, including the SFI and DYFI organised rallies, set off firecrackers, and distributed sweets in major hubs like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in solidarity with demonstrators in New Delhi.

Prior to the resignation news, BJP Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended the Central government's track record, stating that no leader in modern Indian history had done more than Prime Minister Narendra Modi to generate avenues for young citizens. In a online post, Chandrasekhar stated that the administration prioritises youth empowerment and remains dedicated to realizing “Viksit Bharat” and “Vikasita Keralam”.