INDIA’S COCKROACH MOVEMENT IS SHAKING MODI’S GOVERNMENT
Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of New Delhi on Monday in one of the largest youth-led demonstrations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, as supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party marched toward Parliament demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The movement began as a satirical response to a controversial remark comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches. It has evolved into a nationwide campaign against repeated examination paper leaks, particularly the 2026 NEET medical entrance exam scandal and other alleged education irregularities.
Protesters accuse the government of failing millions of students. They are calling for sweeping reforms to India’s education system.
Police used tear gas, batons, and barricades to stop demonstrators from reaching Parliament. Clashes broke out. Numerous detentions were made. Despite the crackdown, many protesters regrouped and continued marching in smaller groups across the capital.
The demonstrations have also been energized by activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose prolonged hunger strike has become a symbol of the movement. Protest leaders are demanding his release, accountability for alleged exam-related failures, compensation for affected families, and the resignation of the education minister.
The government has begun limited talks with protest representatives. No commitment has been made to meet the core demands. Organizers have vowed to continue nationwide demonstrations until meaningful action is taken.
When students march against a government, the government should listen. When young people are compared to cockroaches for being unemployed, something is deeply wrong. When exam papers leak and futures are destroyed, accountability must follow.
India’s youth are tired. They are angry. And they are not backing down.