India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has vowed to continue its protest demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The announcement came a day after violent clashes between protesters and security personnel disrupted central Delhi and left nearly 180 people injured.
Thousands of demonstrators from Delhi and neighboring cities gathered on Monday to march toward Parliament. The movement, which began as an online satire, has since grown into one of the largest youth-led campaigns during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.
The protest has attracted widespread support from millions of young Indians, particularly members of Generation Z. Participants are calling for accountability following examination paper leaks that affected more than two million students earlier this year.
Exam Paper Leak Fuels Public Anger
The movement argues that the leak of a national medical entrance examination exposed serious flaws within India’s education system.
According to the protesters, the incident forced thousands of students to retake the examination. They also claim the crisis contributed to several student suicides, making the issue a symbol of deeper corruption in the education sector.
The CJP believes these events highlight the urgent need for reforms and stronger accountability from government officials.
Clashes Leave Nearly 180 People Injured
Tensions escalated during Monday’s demonstration when protesters clashed with security personnel.
Authorities used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds after the situation turned violent. According to police, nearly 180 people received injuries during the confrontation.
Officials said the injured included more than 118 police and security personnel, along with around 60 protesters.
Police also confirmed that 70 protesters were detained. Authorities stated that legal proceedings would be initiated against those taken into custody.
Despite the clashes, protesters gathered again on Tuesday morning at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. Around 150 to 200 people assembled despite light rain while continuing to chant slogans.
Security remained tight throughout the area, with paramilitary personnel deployed and barricades placed across major roads.
Protest Organizers Vow to Continue Demonstration
The Cockroach Janta Party announced through social media that the campaign would continue.
“The protest against the Education Minister continues at Jantar Mantar,” the movement said in a private post..
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also addressed supporters following Monday’s violence.
He wrote, “We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police,“ while apologizing to supporters, especially women whom he alleged were beaten by male police officers.
The movement gained additional momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike on June 28. Authorities later transferred him to a hospital on Saturday.
Protesters Demand Accountability
Many participants said they would continue demonstrating until their demands are addressed.
One protester, Sahil Singh from Uttar Pradesh, said, “They beat us black and blue, and they damaged our protest site.”
He added, “We want accountability to be set with Pradhan’s resignation.“
The protesters have also demanded Wangchuk’s release and compensation of Rs10 million for each family of students who reportedly died by suicide following the examination leak.
Local media reports suggested that around a dozen students took their own lives after the controversy.
Government and Opposition Respond
Health Minister J.P. Nadda met two representatives of the movement on Monday and requested time to discuss their demands within the government.
Meanwhile, opposition parties criticized the authorities for using force against demonstrators. In contrast, leaders from the ruling party argued that the violence appeared to be organized.
Several opposition politicians and social media influencers also joined the protest, increasing public attention on the issue.
Analysts Warn of Growing Youth Frustration
Experts believe the movement reflects broader concerns among India’s young population.
Besides examination paper leaks, many participants have also expressed frustration over unemployment and limited career opportunities.
Analysts warned that even if discussions reduce immediate tensions, public dissatisfaction could continue to grow.
Pearl Pandya, senior analyst for Asia Pacific at conflict monitoring research group ACLED, said, “This is an issue which affects everyone … any crackdown against the overwhelmingly peaceful protesters, as the government is wont to do, will only serve to fuel anger.”
As demonstrations continue, the movement remains focused on education reforms, accountability, and restoring public confidence in the country’s examination system while drawing national attention to the concerns of India’s younger generation.
