Indian police on Monday blocked a youth protest march to parliament demanding the resignation of the country's education minister over recent exam paper leaks. The march was organized by the newly founded Cockroach Janta Party, a prominent online movement boasting 23 million followers on Instagram. The unrest spilled over into parliament, disrupting proceedings on the opening day of its new session.
The demonstration follows a recent mandatory re-examination for an undergraduate medical program, which was ordered after official exam papers were leaked. In response to the planned march, heavy security forces were deployed at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, a major demonstration site in the capital where supporters have been gathering for days. Authorities also suspended mobile internet services in several parts of the capital.
Late Sunday, the Delhi Police announced on social media that prohibitory orders were in force in the New Delhi district, emphasizing that no permission had been sought or granted for the proposed July 20 march to parliament. Tensions escalated further after social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for over three weeks, was forcibly moved to a hospital by authorities.
Amid the disruptions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the smooth functioning of parliament, stating that it aligns with the aspirations of India's ambitious youth who want to see the nation progress.
While local television footage showed security forces using batons to disperse the crowds, the Delhi Police denied reports of a baton charge, maintaining that the protest was being handled professionally.
As the crowds expanded and gained backing from mainstream political leaders, the Cockroach Janta Party announced that the Indian government had reached out to initiate discussions. Chief spokesperson Saurav Das stated that talks were underway but affirmed that the youth's demands remain clear, spearheaded by the call for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Indian government has not yet officially confirmed the talks.
The political movement adopted the name "Cockroach Janta Party" as a form of political satire, reclaiming a label used by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who had previously described unemployed youth as cockroaches.
