“Hope Is a Muscle”: Neha Bora on her 23 day hunger strike at India’s ‘Cockroach Protests’

In the summer of 2026, a remark made by India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant inadvertently set off a wave of mass mobilisation among the country’s youth. His description of unemployed young people as “cockroaches” sparked the formation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), an online collective that quickly grew into a formidable force of resistance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The movement gained momentum in early June after the CJP called for accountability from the Indian education minister over the leakage of high-stakes medical entrance exam papers. Since then, thousands of students and young citizens have gathered daily at Jantar Mantar, a prominent historical protest site in New Delhi, demanding the minister’s resignation. Among them is Neha Bora, president of the leftist All India Students Association, who recently completed a 23-day hunger strike as part of the ongoing demonstrations. The protests began in earnest after the CJP accused the education ministry of failing to secure the integrity of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a crucial gateway to medical education in India. The leaked exam questions raised concerns about systemic corruption and mismanagement within the education sector. The CJP, initially a digital platform, evolved into a grassroots movement, drawing participants from across the country. Protesters argue that the government’s policies have exacerbated unemployment and disillusionment among youth, particularly in sectors such as education and employment. Neha Bora, who led the hunger strike alongside other student leaders, described the experience as mentally taxing rather than physically unbearable. She explained that while the body can adapt to prolonged fasting, the mental resilience required to sustain such a strike is immense. Regular health checks, including blood tests and monitoring of vital signs, became routine for the protesters. Bora noted that the presence of supporters and the constant interaction with the public played a critical role in maintaining morale during the strike. Bora’s involvement in activism began through theatre, where she encountered the intersection of art and politics. Her engagement with a cultural activist group in university helped her understand that politics permeates everyday life, through language, expression, and social interactions. This perspective shaped her approach to current events, leading her to join the protests against the government’s handling of youth issues. She emphasized that the movement represents a growing awareness among the younger generation that they must actively engage with political realities rather than remain passive observers. Sonam Wangchuk, another prominent figure associated with the movement, ended his own 26-day hunger strike recently. Despite his departure from the physical act of protest, Wangchuk has reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to continuing its demands. The CJP and its allies remain determined to push for accountability and reform, leveraging both traditional and digital platforms to amplify their message. Their efforts have drawn attention from international media, highlighting the scale and intensity of the protests. The movement has faced challenges, including attempts by authorities to disperse gatherings and restrict access to protest sites. However, the persistence of demonstrators has ensured that the protests continue unabated. The government has yet to respond publicly to the demands for the education minister’s resignation, though officials have acknowledged the need for improved transparency and accountability in the education system. As the protests enter their third month, the focus remains on sustaining public interest and maintaining pressure on policymakers. Student leaders have expressed confidence that the movement will continue to grow, driven by the shared frustrations of a generation grappling with economic uncertainty and limited opportunities. The outcome of these demonstrations could mark a turning point in the relationship between India’s youth and the ruling party, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the coming months.