Why are thousands of people protesting in Delhi?

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Delhi on Monday to protest against the government, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to India’s education system. The demonstrations were organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that originated as a satirical online campaign and has since grown into one of the most visible groups challenging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protests took place near the historic Jantar Mantar observatory, a common site for public dissent in the capital. The CJP movement was founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old political communications strategist and former Boston University student. Initially conceived as a joke, the group gained traction after Dipke created a Google form for potential members, which attracted tens of thousands of sign-ups. This rapid expansion transformed the movement from an online meme into a real-world political force. The latest round of protests was triggered by the treatment of Sonam Wangchuk, a respected engineer and activist who had been fasting for 20 days in support of the CJP at Jantar Mantar. On Saturday, Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalized, prompting Dipke to urge protesters to march toward India’s parliament on Monday. The CJP’s name is a direct reference to remarks made by India’s Chief Justice, Surya Kant, during a court hearing. He reportedly likened unemployed young people engaged in journalism and activism to “cockroaches and parasites.” While Kant later clarified that his comments were directed at individuals with “fake and bogus degrees,” the term stuck and became a rallying point for the movement. The CJP parodies the BJP, whose name translates to “People’s Party,” by adopting the moniker “Cockroach Janta Party” or “Cockroach People’s Party.” Protesters have participated in clean-up drives and demonstrations wearing costumes resembling cockroaches, blending humor with political expression. At the heart of the CJP’s demands is frustration with India’s education system, particularly the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the primary exam for admission to medical colleges. Nearly 2.28 million candidates took the test on May 3, many having spent months, sometimes years, preparing for the notoriously difficult exam. Days later, the test was canceled amid allegations of question leakage, forcing aspirants to retake it under strict security measures weeks later. The cancellation caused widespread anger, especially among students who felt the disruption undermined their futures. Some families have claimed that as many as 20 students committed suicide due to emotional distress following the cancellation. A similar controversy surrounded the NEET exam in 2024, further fueling public discontent. The CJP is calling for systemic changes, including stricter oversight of exam integrity and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Following the incident involving Wangchuk, Dipke also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a shift toward broader anti-government sentiment within the movement. The protests have drawn support from several opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who commented on images from the demonstration, though specific statements remain pending. While it is uncertain whether the CJP will succeed in achieving its immediate goals, the scale of Monday’s protest represents one of the largest gatherings against Modi’s government in Delhi in recent years. The movement continues to gain momentum, leveraging both digital platforms and physical presence to challenge the status quo. As the situation develops, the CJP’s influence on national discourse is likely to grow, reflecting deepening frustrations with educational policies and governance.