Youth-led CJP launches indefinite protest demanding Indian education minister's resignation

Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led political movement that rose to prominence on social media, have launched an indefinite protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination controversies and student welfare concerns.

Supporters have occupied Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in the capital, where many are sleeping on roads and pavements despite sweltering June temperatures and police orders to vacate the area, says Al Jazeera.

The movement, also known as the Cockroach People's Party, has gained significant support among younger Indians frustrated by recurring examination controversies and mounting pressures surrounding education and employment.

Protesters say anger has intensified following repeated reports of examination paper leaks and discrepancies in scores. Recently, a top medical entrance examination was cancelled after question papers were leaked, affecting millions of students.

Demonstrators have also linked their campaign to concerns over student mental health, citing pressure associated with studies, competitive examinations and job prospects.

Between recent examination dates, more than a dozen students across India reportedly died by suicide, adding to calls for the education minister's resignation.

Authorities have maintained a police presence at the protest site. Supporters said police had used pressure tactics to persuade them to leave, including temporarily restricting access to food and water.

Despite the standoff, the site has also become a gathering place for discussion and youth culture. Some supporters have been dancing to hip-hop music while others sit in circles debating politics and policy issues.

The movement traces its origins to May 2026, when comments by India's chief justice comparing the country's youth to cockroaches sparked criticism online.

In response, founder Abhijeet Dipke, a recent Boston University graduate, posted on X: "What if all cockroaches came together?"

The post rapidly gained traction among young Indians and evolved from an online trend into a formal organisation.

The CJP's Instagram following has since grown to more than 22 million, according to the movement, exceeding the following of India's ruling party. While centred in New Delhi, the group has also staged demonstrations in cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Nagpur.

The government recently temporarily banned the Telegram messaging application in an effort to prevent further examination leaks, a move critics described as a "Band-Aid solution."

Dipke said protesters would remain at Jantar Mantar until Pradhan resigns.

Such a resignation would be unprecedented during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in office.

Despite the heat and continued police presence, Dipke said he remained confident that authorities would not be able to weaken the movement's resolve.