NEW DELHI: Tensions escalated in the national capital on Monday as police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse thousands of demonstrators participating in the largest protest yet organized by the youth-led Cockroach Movement, which is demanding sweeping education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
More than 10,000 protesters marched toward Parliament during the opening day of the monsoon session, calling for accountability over alleged corruption and repeated irregularities in India’s examination system.
The movement, whose supporters have ironically adopted the name Cockroach Janta Party to mock the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has rapidly gained momentum since emerging earlier this year.
Anger Grows After Sonam Wangchuk’s Arrest
Public outrage intensified following the arrest of veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had reportedly been on a hunger strike for three weeks in support of students protesting examination irregularities.
As protesters moved through central Delhi, they raised slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Many demonstrators said the government had failed to address the concerns of millions of students affected by repeated examination controversies.
Government Offers Limited Talks
Ahead of the march, the central government invited two representatives of the movement for discussions with Health Minister JP Nadda.
However, movement leaders maintained that their demands remain unchanged, insisting that meaningful action is required to restore public confidence in the education system.
Heavy Security Around Parliament
Thousands gathered overnight at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar before beginning the march toward Parliament.
Police deployed large numbers of personnel and riot control units around key government buildings and several nearby metro stations. Authorities restricted access to some station exits in an attempt to limit the size of the demonstration.
Despite the restrictions, protesters continued arriving on foot from surrounding areas while carrying Indian flags and chanting slogans.
Videos circulating online appeared to show police pushing back demonstrators with batons, although officials denied reports of major clashes.
Delhi Police stated that the designated protest area had reached capacity and warned that larger crowds could create safety concerns.
Students Demand Accountability
The protest movement began after widespread criticism over alleged irregularities in India’s competitive examination system.
Earlier this year, approximately 2.2 million medical aspirants were required to retake the national medical entrance examination after the original test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.
The incident triggered nationwide frustration among students, many of whom had spent months preparing for the examination.
Protesters argue that repeated failures in the examination process have severely affected students’ mental health, academic careers, and future opportunities.
Social Media Movement Turns Into Mass Protest
Initially driven by viral memes and online campaigns, the Cockroach Movement has evolved into one of the largest youth-led protest campaigns seen in recent years.
Supporters adopted the “Cockroach” label after it was reportedly used as an insult during public criticism, transforming it into a symbol of resistance.
The movement has attracted support from students, professionals, families, opposition politicians, and several public figures.
Participants say the demonstrations are aimed at demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability within India’s education system.
