The Cockroach Janta Party protests: A clash in Delhi

On Monday, tens of thousands of students, parents and professionals camped at Delhi’s historic Jantar Mantar to march on parliament, defying a police ban. The youth‑led movement – known for its icon, a cockroach – demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam‑paper leaks in the national NEET board.

Police responded with canes, tear gas and baton charges, injuring several protestors. Some protestors threw stones back, creating a tense atmosphere that made the media attention spike.

The march reflects broader frustration about job prospects, transparency and accountability in India’s education system – themes that rapidly turned the movement from an online campaign into a national trend.

While officials appealed for calm and urged protestors to move back, organisers said they would continue the sit‑in until the demands were addressed. The confrontation illustrates how youth activism is reshaping politics in Delhi and across the country.