Turmoil is sweeping through India's education system, with tens of thousands of mostly young people taking to the streets in Delhi, the country's capital, to demand radical change. Monday's mass protest outside parliament was a defining moment for the youth-led movement against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which has gained significant momentum in recent months.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an unlikely force with origins as a satirical online movement just a few months ago, has emerged as one of India's most influential youth voices. Founded by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP was born out of outrage over comments made by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who likened unemployed young people to 'cockroaches and parasites'. The name is a clear reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has faced mounting criticism for its handling of the nation's youth.
The trigger for Monday's protest was the alleged forcible hospitalisation of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent engineer and activist who had been on hunger strike in support of the CJP's demands. The treatment sparked widespread outrage, prompting leader Dipke to call on supporters to march on parliament and demand Prime Minister Modi's resignation.
At its core, the CJP is waging war against India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a highly contentious exam that serves as the gateway to medical college education. The May 3 exam was marred by allegations of question paper leaks, forcing nearly 2.28 million candidates to resit under increased security conditions. This debacle has left its mark, with around 20 students claiming to have taken their own lives following the cancellation. Echoes of a similar scandal in 2024 still linger, fuelling calls for greater accountability and reform.
The CJP's campaign may be contentious, but its impact is undeniable. Monday's protest was the largest demonstration against Prime Minister Modi's government in recent years, drawing attention from opposition politicians who have begun to show solidarity with the movement. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has denounced the police response as an 'attack on democracy', while several MPs joined protesters outside parliament.
With its sights set firmly on overhauling India's education system, the CJP is leaving little room for compromise. As Prime Minister Modi's government faces mounting pressure, one question remains: will this youth-driven movement succeed in bringing about meaningful change?