Supporters of India’s youth-led “Cockroach” movement clashed with police on Monday after thousands attempted to march towards Parliament in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sweeping reforms to the country’s examination system.
Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse protesters after they tried to breach security barricades near Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site located about two kilometres from Parliament.
The demonstration drew large crowds, including students, professionals and families with young children, as the movement continued to gain momentum nationwide.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was formed in May after India’s Chief Justice compared some unemployed young people to “cockroaches” during an unrelated Supreme Court hearing. Supporters embraced the remark, transforming it into a satirical protest movement that has since attracted millions of followers on social media.
Public frustration has intensified following repeated leaks of high-stakes entrance examinations for medical colleges and government jobs. The movement gained further attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike, was forcibly taken to hospital by police on Saturday.
For the past month, protesters identifying themselves as “cockroaches” have maintained a protest camp at Jantar Mantar, joined by several student groups participating in Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Similar demonstrations have also taken place at universities and in cities across India.
The protesters are calling for the education minister’s resignation, comprehensive reforms to the examination system, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following examination paper leaks.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has reportedly begun its first public outreach to leaders of the movement, signalling a possible attempt to open dialogue amid the escalating protests.
