Cockroach Movement brings thousands to the streets against India's government

New Delhi, Thousands of protesters led by the "Cockroach" movement marched through the streets of New Delhi on Monday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration, which took place ahead of the new parliamentary session, saw police using batons against some demonstrators, though authorities denied allegations of excessive force. Supporters of the group, known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), attempted to march toward Parliament despite being banned from doing so. The name of the CJP, according to its members, originates from remarks made by a senior judge who compared unemployed youth to cockroaches, or "kakerlaken" in German. The protest movement, which has been active since May, has already emerged as one of the biggest challenges to Modi’s third term in office. The demonstrations were triggered by the leak of examination papers for a medical test, which forced over two million candidates to retake the exam. Protesters accuse the government of corruption and fraud. The protests have gained momentum following the authorities' handling of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was forcibly hospitalized during a hunger strike against his will. From the hospital, Wangchuk ended his fast under certain conditions, including the government taking responsibility for recent failures in the education system. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the CJP indicated willingness to engage in talks with the government, as reported by the news agency ANI. Experts suggest that the rapid growth of the CJP, which quickly amassed millions of followers online, reflects growing frustration among young Indians. Besides controversies surrounding exams, the high rate of youth unemployment is a major driver of discontent. Government data shows that the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 to 29 stood at 9.9 percent in 2025, rising to 13.6 percent in urban areas. The protests have drawn attention both domestically and internationally, highlighting deepening social tensions within India. While the government maintains control over public discourse, the scale and persistence of the demonstrations indicate a shift in public sentiment. With more than 10,000 participants gathered in the city center early on Monday, the movement continues to challenge the ruling party's authority. As the situation develops, further actions from both sides remain uncertain. The government may respond with increased security measures, while the CJP could seek broader support through organized campaigns. The outcome of these developments will likely shape political dynamics in the coming weeks. For now, the streets of New Delhi continue to echo with the voices of those demanding change.