Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) clashed with police in New Delhi on Monday as they attempted to march to Parliament, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam paper leaks. Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades, detaining several demonstrators.
A delegation of CJP leaders met with Union Minister JP Nadda to present three key demands: the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, Pradhan's resignation, and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide. Nadda requested time to consult government leadership on the demands. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah met with Pradhan, though details of their discussion were not disclosed.
The protest follows weeks of demonstrations over exam irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak, which the CJP argues reflects systemic corruption in India's education system. The movement, which began as satire after a Supreme Court justice's remark comparing unemployed youth to 'cockroaches,' has gained momentum, attracting millions of social media followers and mobilizing ground support.
Protesters chanted slogans against Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for systemic reforms. The CJP, though not a formal political party, represents a growing youth-led challenge to Modi's government, which critics accuse of suppressing dissent and failing to address unemployment and education system flaws.
Security was tightened across central Delhi, with Rapid Action Force personnel deployed to prevent breaches. Metro stations near the protest site were temporarily closed, affecting commuters. The protest comes amid heightened tensions after police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital, galvanizing further support for the movement.