More than 10,000 protesters from the youth-led "Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)" movement marched toward the Indian Parliament in New Delhi on July 20 to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over alleged corruption in the country's education and examination system. Police dispersed the demonstrators using tear gas and batons, according to reports.
The rally was the largest demonstration organized by the CJP movement since it began in May. Protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for decisive action against corruption and irregularities in India's examination system.
The movement says the name "Cockroach Janta Party" is a satirical reference to Prime Minister Modi's ruling party and has recently gained growing support among young people across the country.
Observers believe the unusually large turnout was also driven by public anger after veteran environmental and social activist Sonam Wangchuk, 59, was forcibly taken to a hospital by authorities on Saturday following a three-week hunger strike.
As they marched toward Parliament, protesters chanted slogans including "Modi Resign" and "Pradhan Resign," demanding that both Prime Minister Modi and Education Minister Pradhan step down.
One demonstrator, yoga instructor Jyoti Rajput, said the government had failed to address corruption within the education system and had ignored the hardships faced by students.
"The government has no intention of tackling corruption in the education system. It is also ignoring the suffering of students. That is why so many young people have joined this movement," she said.
The government invited two representatives of the protesters to meet Health Minister J.P. Nadda for talks. However, movement leaders declined the offer, saying their demands were already clear.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered overnight at Jantar Mantar to coincide with the opening of Parliament's monsoon session. Police attempted to prevent the march by closing exits at several metro stations, but protesters disembarked at nearby stations and continued on foot toward Parliament.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show police using batons to push demonstrators back. However, Delhi Police denied reports that violent clashes had occurred during the protest.
The movement emerged amid growing criticism of corruption and administrative failures within India's education system. Last month, more than 2.2 million students were required to retake the NEET medical entrance examination after a question paper leak, an incident that reportedly intensified stress among students.
The name "Cockroach" was adopted by protesters after India's Chief Justice allegedly compared unemployed young people to "cockroaches." Demonstrators embraced the term and turned it into the symbol of their movement.
Political analysts say the CJP movement has become one of the few youth-led campaigns to openly challenge Prime Minister Modi's third-term government. The movement has also received support from opposition political parties and several Bollywood celebrities.
Ref/Photo: Al Jazeera
