The streets of New Delhi are set to erupt with protests today, 20 July 2026, as thousands of Indians, led by the youth-driven Cockroach Janta party, vow to defy police orders and march on the Indian parliament. The demonstration is aimed squarely at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's education minister, who they demand be sacked amidst widespread outrage over recent exam paper leaks that have left millions of students reeling.
Police have refused permission for the march, citing local regulations that prohibit gatherings of five or more people – except those sanctioned at designated protest sites like Jantar Mantar observatory. Authorities claim strict security measures are in place to safeguard public safety and protect key government installations, coinciding with the parliament's opening session today.
The Cockroach movement has seen a significant surge in support following the hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday. Wangchuk had been staging a hunger strike, and his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, condemned the authorities' actions as 'illegal detention', despite a Delhi court ruling that they acted within their powers to move him due to health concerns. In a message shared by his wife, Wangchuk described the planned march as India's '2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT', calling for 'freedom from injustice' and 'freedom from fear'.
Initially gaining significant traction online with 22 million Instagram followers within days of its formation in May, the movement has since broadened its appeal. Several key political and farmers' groups are expected to join the protest, posing a growing challenge for the Modi government. The Cockroach Janta party remains resolute that the march will proceed as planned, despite the police ban.
The emergence of the Cockroach movement highlights long-standing frustrations among young Indians, particularly regarding issues like high youth unemployment and recurring exam paper leaks. These incidents have eroded public trust and underscore systemic problems within India's education and governance systems, prompting a wider call for accountability and reform.