A wave of student-led protests in India has evolved into the country’s largest youth movement in years, driven by anger over repeated exam paper leaks, unemployment, and demands for accountability in the education system.
The movement, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began as an online satirical campaign before transforming into mass street demonstrations. The name “Cockroach” was adopted after remarks by a senior judge were widely interpreted by many young people as likening unemployed youth to cockroaches, with protesters reclaiming the term as a symbol of resilience.
Public frustration intensified after the cancellation of the NEET medical entrance exam due to an alleged paper leak, forcing millions of students to retake the test. Protesters are demanding reforms to the examination system, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and stronger action against those responsible for exam irregularities.
The demonstrations escalated after police clashed with protesters in New Delhi. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were briefly detained while supporting the protests, further increasing political attention on the movement. The Indian government has promised reforms and accountability, but protesters say they will continue until their demands are met.
