In brief
A youth‑led movement called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rallied tens of thousands at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, defying a police ban to march toward Parliament. Protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid allegations of NEET exam paper leaks. Police erected barricades and used batons, injuring several demonstrators. Despite a brief meeting with Health Minister JP Nadda, tensions remained high as police eventually ordered the crowd to disperse. The event underscored broader frustrations over jobs, transparency, and accountability in India’s political landscape.
On Monday, a youth‑led movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered dozens of thousands at Jantar Mantar, defying a police ban to march towards Parliament. Protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid allegations that exam papers for the NEET exam were leaked.
Police erected barricades and used batons, resulting in injuries reported by volunteer doctor Gaurish Batra. Several demonstrators were treated for head wounds and a broken leg in nearby clinics.
The movement began after a chief justice compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” The CJP has since become a symbol of dissent against the Modi government, rallying students, teachers, and professionals nationwide.
Two CJP representatives met Health Minister JP Nadda, who promised to address the protestors' concerns, but tensions remained high as police eventually ordered the crowd to disperse.
Social media was cut in parts of Delhi to limit the spread of video footage, though stories of the attack circulated quickly via word of mouth. The protest, which continued through the monsoon session, highlighted frustration over broader political issues beyond exam scandals.
