What began as a protest over the cancellation of a national medical entrance exam in India has evolved into a broader youth movement challenging issues such as corruption, job scarcity, and education system mismanagement. The movement has emerged as a notable test to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has governed for over a decade.
On May 3, more than two million students sat for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a rigorous exam essential for admission to medical colleges across the country. However, on May 12, the government annulled the test following allegations of a question paper leak, mandating that all candidates retake the exam. This decision triggered widespread outrage among students, leading to protests organized by the National Students’ Union of India and others, with some demonstrators detained.
The protests gained a controversial impetus after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant likened some unemployed youth who aired grievances on social media to “cockroaches.” In response, Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate, launched the “Cockroach Janta Party” (C.J.P.) on May 16 as a satirical movement.
The C.J.P. rapidly gained momentum on social media, surpassing follower counts of established political parties within days. Demonstrations continued in multiple cities, including Mumbai, into June. On June 6, Mr. Dipke returned to India to lead the C.J.P.’s first street protest, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Hundreds participated in a peaceful rally.
On June 11, the group published a five-point manifesto, which called for compensation for students affected by the exam cancellation and reforms to the testing process. After government inaction, C.J.P. supporters initiated a continuous sit-in at Jantar Mantar near Parliament in New Delhi on June 20.
The movement received further support on June 28 when activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike to show solidarity with the protesters. He later called for a peaceful march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, named “Chalo Sansad” (March to Parliament). On July 18, police forcibly hospitalized Mr. Wangchuk amid concerns over his health.
On Monday, thousands of young protestors marched to Parliament and encountered a strong police response. Authorities deployed tear gas and batons to disperse crowds in New Delhi, with additional smaller protests held in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Dozens were detained, though many demonstrators remained camped at Jantar Mantar despite police requests to disperse.
A striking moment from the protests was captured on video in Mumbai, showing a young woman blocking a police vehicle to demand the release of detained activists.
In response to the expanding protests, which the C.J.P. said had spread to over 30 cities, Prime Minister Modi issued a video message assuring that the government prioritized the welfare of young people and pledging swift action against those responsible for compromising the exam.
After 26 days, Mr. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike following negotiations with authorities and concerns about potential violence. The C.J.P. hailed the conclusion of the fast but affirmed that protests would persist as the youth movement continues to press for systemic change.