In New Delhi, police used tear gas and batons to disperse supporters of India’s Cockroach movement, a youth-led campaign. These supporters aimed to march to Parliament demanding the resignation of the education minister. The government seems to have initiated its first efforts to engage with the movement’s leaders.
The confrontation occurred after thousands of demonstrators attempted to breach barriers around the protest site in central New Delhi. This incident represents one of the most significant confrontations in the movement against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Despite police crackdowns, protesters continued to approach Parliament in smaller groups.
Saurav Das, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, accused authorities of suppressing peaceful protesters. Delhi Police justified their actions by stating that the march was unauthorized and restrictions were essential to maintain order during the monsoon session of Parliament, which started Monday.
A Diverse Crowd Gathers
At Jantar Mantar, a designated protest location close to Parliament, a diverse crowd gathered, including students, professionals, and families with children. As the day went on, demonstrators filled surrounding streets, with many carrying backpacks and waving Indian flags while chanting slogans against the education minister and Modi.
Satirical Movement Evolves
The Cockroach Janta Party began engaging public interest in May. This followed a Supreme Court chief justice’s comparison of unemployed youths to cockroaches, sparking a satirical movement that rapidly gained popularity on social media. The movement gained traction following repeated leaks of entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs, causing public outrage.
This interest intensified after police moved activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike, to the hospital. Protesters, identifying themselves as “cockroaches,” have camped at Jantar Mantar for a month. Thousands have participated in rallies nationwide, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms in the examination system, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide following paper leaks.
Government Response
Senior leaders in Modi’s administration initially took a tough stance against the movement. Pradhan accused protesters of acting counter to the nation, yet denied the necessity for dialogue. However, on Monday a potential shift appeared when movement representatives met Health Minister J.P. Nadda, hinting at government outreach.
CJP spokesperson Das met with Nadda, presenting demands for the education minister’s resignation. Separately, Wangchuk requested hospital release to join the march. He pledged to end his hunger strike if the government accepts responsibility for systemic failures or allows protests to Parliament with issues raised in both Houses.
Broader Implications
The protests pose a significant challenge to Modi’s administration during its third term. Support comes from opposition parties, rights activists, and Bollywood celebrities. Protesters claim the government constrains dissent, citing jailed activists and forceful police actions as evidence.
Protesters like Jyoti Rajput, a yoga teacher, criticize the government’s inaction. “This rotten system refuses to take action,” she stated, pointing to the shared pain of students as a unifying factor. Others see the campaign as a drive for governmental accountability, frustrated by perceived shortcomings in transparency and leadership responsiveness.
Sneha Eppili, a 26-year-old, joined the protests in defense of what she sees as a basic human right—the government’s accountability to its citizens. “I voted for this government, so I think it’s accountable to answer our questions,” she explained.