Supporters of India's youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement say they will continue their protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, a day after police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands who had tried to march toward Parliament. Delhi Police said nearly 180 people were injured in Monday's clashes, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters.
What Sparked the Protest
The movement grew out of anger over India's national exam system, with protesters alleging that entrance exam papers for competitive medical school admissions were leaked and sold, forcing millions of students to re-sit the test. The Cockroach Janta Party began online as a wave of satirical memes mocking the government before growing into a movement able to mobilize thousands on the streets. Its name comes from a remark by the Chief Justice of India, who had likened some unemployed young people to "cockroaches" — an insult the protesters then adopted as their own banner.
A Peaceful March That Turned Violent
More than 10,000 people took part in Monday's march toward Parliament, one of the largest demonstrations against the Modi government in recent years. Some protesters described the march as peaceful until police moved to disperse the crowd with tear gas and batons. Delhi Police, for its part, said its personnel faced violent resistance during the operation. Both protesters and officers were among the injured, with some demonstrators showing visible bruises and cuts from the confrontation.
Demanding the Education Minister's Resignation
Protesters camped at Jantar Mantar say they will not leave until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over what they call failures in the examination system. A senior government minister held talks with movement representatives this week in an apparent first attempt at engagement, but the outreach failed to ease tensions.
Movement Says It Will Pause Marches, Not Protests
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group will continue campaigning but will hold off on further marches through the city, citing concerns for supporters' safety after Monday's crackdown. "We will not march again because the police will hurt the youth again," he said at a news conference. Younger protesters at the site said the confrontation had, if anything, strengthened their resolve to keep pushing on the issue.