NEW DELHI: Hundreds of students gathered at the historic Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday under the banner of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanding reforms in India’s education system and accountability for alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations and government recruitment processes.
Prominent education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the demonstration in solidarity with the students, lending support to what organizers described as a movement against systemic failures in the country’s examination system.
Addressing the gathering, Wangchuk said he was generally not fond of protests but felt compelled to stand with students seeking justice. He also thanked the Indian government for allowing a peaceful demonstration in the capital and stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in the education sector.
During his speech, Wangchuk proposed that children of politicians and government officials should be required to study in public educational institutions.
He argued that such a policy would improve the quality of government schools and colleges by ensuring that decision-makers experience the same education system as ordinary citizens.
Despite repeated calls from students urging him to become India’s education minister, Wangchuk dismissed any political ambitions, saying young people themselves should take responsibility for shaping the country’s future.
The protest focused on alleged irregularities in major examinations, including NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC recruitment tests.
The Cockroach Janata Party has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing authorities of failing to prevent examination leaks and other irregularities.
Organizers claimed flaws in the examination system have caused severe stress among students and contributed to cases of suicide. Demonstrators paid tribute to students who allegedly lost their lives amid examination-related pressures.
As the names of deceased students were read aloud, participants observed a moment of silence.
Tight security in Delhi
Many protesters wore cockroach masks, the symbol adopted by the movement, while others carried flowers and Indian national flags. The gathering drew college students, schoolchildren, parents and youth activists.
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke accused authorities of attempting to suppress the movement by hacking social media accounts and removing online content during the past month.
Dipke said he feared possible detention upon arriving in Delhi but maintained that students and young people would continue their campaign.
In response to the protest, Delhi Police tightened security across the capital, including at Indira Gandhi International Airport, border checkpoints and other sensitive locations.
More than 1,000 security personnel were reportedly deployed in New Delhi, although organizers urged participants to remain peaceful and disciplined throughout the demonstration.
Wangchuk has previously stated that he would launch a six-week hunger strike if Dipke were arrested in connection with the movement.
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