Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) took to the streets of Delhi on 20 July 2026, defying a police ban to march toward Parliament and demanding the resignation of India’s education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Police barricaded the route and engaged in baton‑charges, resulting in injuries for several protesters. The authorities declined to comment on the force used.
These demonstrations followed weeks of protests over alleged NEET examination paper leaks, an issue that critics see as symptomatic of a broader crisis in India’s education system.
Since its emergence in June, the CJP—named after a chief justice’s reference to unemployed youth as “cockroaches”—has grown into one of the most visible expressions of dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
In a move that highlighted the movement’s reach, activists gathered overnight in Jantar Mantar, a historic observatory, and remained there despite heavy rain and repeated police attempts to disperse them.
High‑profile supporters such as commercial pilot Samrat Khanna and several teachers joined the march, underscoring the protest’s appeal beyond student circles. The protest was marked by patriotic songs, the distribution of food, and organized displays of unity.
A brief meeting with Health Minister JP Nadda after the protest only marginally eased tensions. The minister was approached by CJP representatives who presented a letter of demand. Nadda pledged to raise the issue within the government, but the protest continued.
The police’s heavy deployment—barricades, riot gear and gun‑point deterrence—led to a sharp escalation. Protesters broke into smaller groups attempting to navigate open streets to reach Parliament.
Authorities also disabled mobile internet services in central Delhi, restricting communication for many attendees.
Despite the temporary suppression, the CJP’s resolve remained firm. The movement’s founders and supporters remain at Jantar Mantar, holding out hope for a continued march and government accountability.
