Cockroach Janta Party supporters clashed with police in New Delhi today, as they attempted to march to Parliament, demanding the resignation of the country’s Education MinisterDharmendra Pradhan.
In one of the largest demonstrations yet against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the confrontation unfolded after thousands of supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party tried to breach police barricades surrounding Jantar Mantar, the capital’s designated protest site located a few kilometres from Parliament.
Police responded by firing tear gas and charging demonstrators with batons in an effort to disperse the crowd, but many protesters regrouped and continued marching toward Parliament in smaller groups.
Despite the police action, demonstrators remained determined to press ahead with their march, chanting slogans calling for the education minister’s resignation and demanding greater accountability from the government.
The protest drew a diverse crowd that included university students, young professionals, teachers, parents and families with children. Many participants arrived carrying backpacks filled with food and water, anticipating a prolonged demonstration as security forces tightened restrictions around key government buildings.
As the day progressed, the gathering expanded beyond Jantar Mantar, spilling into surrounding roads and streets. Protesters waved Indian flags while chanting slogans directed at both the Education Minister and Prime Minister Modi, creating a charged atmosphere in the heart of the capital.
Authorities erected multiple layers of security barricades around Parliament and other government institutions to prevent demonstrators from reaching the legislature. Large numbers of police officers and paramilitary personnel were deployed across central New Delhi to contain the crowds and restore order after clashes broke out.
The demonstrations are the latest in a series of protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led political movement that has attracted growing support through social media campaigns and grassroots mobilisation. Although relatively new, the movement has become increasingly vocal in criticising the government’s education policies, alleging shortcomings in governance, transparency and opportunities available to young people.
Protest leaders have accused the education ministry of failing to address long-standing concerns affecting students and educational institutions. Among the issues frequently raised are examination reforms, access to quality education, employment prospects for graduates and accountability within the education sector.
The Cockroach Janta Party emerged in May, after the Supreme Court Chief Justice compared some unemployed young people to “cockroaches” during an unrelated hearing. Supporters embraced the remark, turning it into a satirical movement that has attracted millions of followers on social media.
The movement has gained momentum after repeated leaks of high-stakes entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs sparked public anger. It drew wider attention after police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to the hospital on Saturday.
Protesters calling themselves “cockroaches” have camped at Jantar Mantar for the past month, with members of several student groups joining Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Thousands of supporters have also turned out at universities and rallies in other cities. They are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms to the examination system and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following paper leaks.
Meanwhile, activist Wangchuk appealed for permission to temporarily leave the hospital and join the march. In a handwritten note, he also said that he would end his nearly three-week hunger strike only if the government took responsibility for failures in the education system and exam paper leaks, or if protesters were allowed to reach Parliament and lawmakers pledged to raise the issues in both Houses.
Cockroach Janta Party Slams Clashes
Cockroach Janta Party Spokesperson Saurav Das denouced the clashes, accusing authorities of “brutally cracking down” on “peaceful protesters.” Delhi Police said that the march had not been authorized and that restrictions were needed to maintain law and order around Parliament during the monsoon session, which began today.
The government has not publicly accepted the protesters’ demands for the Education Minister’s resignation. However, officials appeared to make their first direct outreach to leaders of the movement, signalling a possible willingness to engage in dialogue as tensions escalated.
The latest unrest comes at a politically sensitive time for the Modi administration, which has faced increasing public scrutiny over a range of domestic issues, including youth unemployment, education reforms and the rising cost of living. Although the government retains significant political support, recent demonstrations have highlighted growing frustration among sections of India’s younger population.
The protests also underscore the continuing challenge for authorities in balancing security concerns with citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest. Demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have long served as a platform for groups seeking to draw national attention to political and social issues.
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