NEW DELHI: Thousands of supporters of India’s youth-led “Cockroach” movement gathered in New Delhi on Monday to attempt a march towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the examination system.
The protest took place at Jantar Mantar, where a large number of police personnel were deployed after Delhi Police denied permission for the march. Barricades were placed around the protest site, raising the possibility of confrontation if demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament.
The gathering included students, professionals and families with children. Many protesters carried food and water supplies, while others waved Indian flags and raised slogans against the education minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The “Cockroach Janta Party” emerged in May after the Supreme Court chief justice used the term “cockroaches” while referring to some unemployed youths during an unrelated hearing. Supporters adopted the remark as a symbol of protest, turning it into a satirical movement that has gained millions of followers online.
The movement gained wider attention following repeated leaks of major entrance examinations for medical colleges and government jobs, which triggered public anger among students and job seekers. The protests intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital while on a hunger strike.
Members of several student groups have joined the protest at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been camping for nearly a month. They are demanding accountability for examination failures, changes to the exam system, and compensation for families of students who died following paper leak controversies.
Before the planned march, Wangchuk said he would end his nearly three-week hunger strike only if the government accepted responsibility for problems in the education system and examination process, or if protesters were allowed to reach Parliament and lawmakers agreed to raise their concerns.
Delhi Police said the march was not authorised and that restrictions were necessary to maintain security around Parliament during the monsoon session.
The protests have emerged as a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during its third term, receiving support from opposition leaders, rights activists and some Bollywood figures.
Government leaders have maintained a firm stance against the movement. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused protesters of acting against national interests, while other ministers have acknowledged students’ concerns but said negotiations with the movement were unnecessary.
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