Massive crowds gathered in New Delhi on Monday as supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) challenged a police ban to march on parliament. The youth-led group is calling for the resignation of India’s education minister, citing a series of recent exam paper leaks as evidence of a failing education system. Despite police barricades sealing the routes, protesters attempted to push through, resulting in tense scuffles and reports of injuries from baton charges.
The movement gained significant visibility as an opposition force against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. Its momentum was further fueled by the hospitalization of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for over three weeks. The CJP, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, adopted its controversial name after India’s chief justice previously compared unemployed youth to cockroaches. Despite being mocked, the group has successfully turned the term into a rallying symbol.
Throughout the day, tens of thousands of students, parents, and professionals braved heavy rain at Jantar Mantar. While CJP representatives eventually met with Health Minister JP Nadda to present their demands, the interaction failed to disperse the gathering. By evening, police in riot gear arrived to clear the protest site, leading to further confrontation and claims of attempted detentions. The protest underscores deepening public frustration regarding national employment, transparency, and government accountability.
