Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party march on India’s Parliament to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party clashed with police in New Delhi on Monday as thousands attempted to march to Parliament to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement, which gained popularity after a Supreme Court justice compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches," seeks to address repeated examination paper leaks and high youth unemployment. The protest intensified after police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital on Saturday. While the administration announced it is beginning to open talks with movement leaders, many ministers have maintained a hard line, insisting that negotiations are not yet necessary. Protesters, including students and professionals, are demanding systemic reforms and compensation for students who died by suicide following exam irregularities. Despite the administration's lack of authorization for the march, the Cockroach Janta Party insisted on proceeding. Police utilized tear gas and batons to manage the crowd at Jantar Mantar, ensuring security for the start of the monsoon session.

Sources