India’s ‘Cockroach’ Protests Against Modi regime Spread Across the Country
Thousands of protesters gathered in New Delhi as India’s online “Cockroach” movement expanded nationwide, demanding accountability and reforms after several examination scandals.
The protests, led by the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party movement, have emerged as a major challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers backed the protesters inside parliament on Wednesday and demanded accountability over a police crackdown on Monday.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also called for an apology over the police action against students demanding changes in the education system.
He had earlier urged Modi to resign over the crackdown, while protesters demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
The demonstrators have refused to leave Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi, where their numbers have reportedly reached several thousand.
The movement has also spread to other cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru, with smaller rallies emerging across India.
In Patna, police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons against protesters demanding Pradhan’s resignation, according to Press Trust of India.
Moreover, opposition parties strengthened the campaign by staging a sit-in near Modi’s residence on Tuesday.
Gandhi, who police briefly detained, appeared in parliament wearing black and pledged support for protesting students.
The movement began in May as a satirical online campaign after reports that Chief Justice Surya Kant compared young people to “cockroaches” and “parasites.”
However, the campaign has since expanded its demands to include unemployment, youth opportunities and concerns over government policies.
On Monday, police fired tear gas and used batons as tens of thousands attempted to march toward parliament.
Rights groups criticised the police response and questioned whether authorities used excessive force during the demonstration.
The protests gained momentum following multiple examination controversies, including a medical entrance paper leak affecting more than two million candidates.
Additionally, disputes over online marking involving nearly two million high school students have further intensified public anger.
