Supporters of India’s youth-driven Cockroach Movement faced police action as they attempted a march towards the parliament in New Delhi. Authorities had refused to grant permission for the protest. This movement, which has been gaining momentum over several months, presents a significant public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term. It has attracted millions on social media and expanded its appeal further.
A pivotal moment for the movement occurred when authorities moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital. This action galvanized the movement. Thousands of supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi ahead of the parliament’s monsoon session.
Delhi police held discussions with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives, though no agreement was reached. “The protest site has already run out of space, potentially leading to unforeseen situations,” said Sachin Sharma, Delhi’s deputy commissioner of police. Approximately 10,000 protesters were present on Monday morning.
Police and paramilitary security were deployed at the site, raising concerns of a standoff near the parliament. Some protesters were caned by police, although Delhi police claimed the protest was managed professionally.
Protesters chanted slogans under the rain in Central Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The CJP movement began in response to leaked national medical entrance test papers in May, impacting over 2 million students who had to retake the examination.
“All these leaders in power are illiterate, and I am here to protest because we do not want question papers to leak,” said Adi Nathan, a student from Meerut.
Mohammed Tabrez, a student from Amroha, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to end corruption and fraudulent activities related to paper leaks.
Initially gaining traction online, the CJP amassed 22 million Instagram followers within days and later received backing from some opposition parties. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke started a sit-in last month, demanding the resignation of Pradhan. Wangchuk joined in with an indefinite hunger strike beginning June 28.
From the hospital, Wangchuk stated he would end his fast if the government took responsibility for education system failures, addressed paper leaks, or allowed protesters to meet parliament members who would assure action.
The CJP’s rise highlights youth frustrations over high unemployment rates and exam paper leaks. Unemployment data from 2025 indicates a 9.9% rate for ages 15 to 29, compared to an overall rate of 3.1%. Urban areas see 13.6%, while rural regions report 8.3%.
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