Carrying paper cockroach masks and distributing pamphlets, protesters demanded the resignation of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, amid criticism over examination paper leaks, technical failures, and concerns about the credibility of the country s testing system.
“We want accountability from the government,” said 16-year-old medical college aspirant Utkarsh Raj, speaking at the protest site, which was closely monitored by police officers. He questioned how examination papers could repeatedly be leaked and called for reforms to protect students futures.
The demonstration was led by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate and former political communications strategist who arrived from the United States to attend the rally.
Dipke s movement, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emerged last month and has rapidly gained traction online. The group s name is a satirical reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing supporters, Dipke said young people should no longer be intimidated into silence and urged them to demand accountability. Protesters responded with chants embracing the movement s cockroach symbol as a sign of resilience.
The movement gained momentum after comments attributed to Surya Kant during a court hearing reportedly compared some government critics to “cockroaches” and “parasites.” The remarks sparked backlash among young people, although the chief justice later said his comments had been taken out of context.
Students at the rally said repeated examination controversies had eroded confidence in India s education system. One protester, Sarthak, said students deserved a more reliable and transparent examination process.
The protests follow the cancellation of a nationwide medical entrance examination after investigators uncovered a question paper leak. The controversy surrounding the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), one of India s most competitive exams, drew widespread attention and was linked by local media to several student suicides.
The demonstration also comes amid growing concerns about youth unemployment. According to estimates from the International Labour Organization, unemployment among Indians aged 15 to 24 remains elevated despite the country s economic growth.
CJP s popularity has surged online, with its Instagram account attracting more than 22 million followers, surpassing the social media following of both the BJP and the main opposition Indian National Congress on the platform.
Analysts say the movement reflects broader frustrations among young Indians over employment opportunities, governance, and perceived institutional failures, drawing comparisons with youth-led protest movements seen in neighbouring countries in recent years.
