KakerlakenProt protests in India against Modi

Thousands of protesters gathered in New Delhi on Monday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as part of the “Cockroach” movement led by the youth-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The demonstration, which took place despite a police ban, saw participants march toward the Parliament building during a session of the Lower House. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in minor injuries on both sides, according to Indian media reports. The protests were sparked by allegations of corruption and fraud following the premature release of examination materials for the medical entrance test in May. Over two million students had to retake the exam, prompting widespread anger among demonstrators who accused the government of misconduct. Members of the CJP called for Pradhan to resign over his perceived failure to address the issue, while the minister dismissed them as “the B-team of agitators” with no faith in India’s progress. The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, drew its name from a remark made by a senior Indian judge who compared unemployed youth to cockroaches. The group has become one of the largest challenges to Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda, particularly since its formation in May. This week’s rally marked one of the biggest demonstrations in the capital in five years, with around 10,000 people gathering in the city center early Monday. Despite the police order banning gatherings of more than five people outside designated protest zones, the CJP insisted it would proceed with its planned march. During the protest, police reportedly clashed with demonstrators, using tear gas and physical force to prevent the march from reaching the Parliament. Footage showed crowds fleeing as officers deployed gas canisters, while other scenes depicted police being thrown stones by protesters. A journalist with AFP observed the chaotic scene, noting how demonstrators ran for safety as law enforcement intervened. Meanwhile, Reuters reporters documented instances of police facing resistance from the crowd. The CJP criticized the police response, calling the situation a “war zone.” On social media, the party questioned why authorities resorted to tear gas against peaceful protesters, accusing the government of turning a blind eye to their demands for months before taking action. A spokesperson for the CJP confirmed that founder Abhijeet Dipke was arrested, though the police have yet to officially confirm this. The protests have been fueled in recent days by the treatment of activist Sonam Wangchuk, a supporter of the CJP, who was forcibly taken to a hospital during a hunger strike. Dozens of plainclothes police officers were involved in his detention, further inflaming tensions. As the demonstrations continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address public grievances, especially amid growing unrest over educational policies and governance practices. The outcome of these protests could shape the political landscape in the coming weeks.