Hundreds of young Indians gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the first protest organized by the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP), a youth movement that began as online satire. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest was led by 30-year-old Abhijit Dipke, who launched the ‘cockroach movement’ on social media after a viral post responding to a controversial remark by India’s Chief Justice comparing youth to cockroaches.

The movement has grown rapidly online, gaining millions of followers. Protesters voiced anger over repeated exam paper leaks, irregularities in assessments, and lack of political accountability in India’s education system. Participants said the issue has moved beyond humor to a serious demand for reform. Dipke also alleged that fear of expressing dissent has spread among citizens, noting that many parents worry their children could be arrested for criticizing the government.

Despite the heat, the protest drew a large turnout, with participants wearing cockroach masks and carrying symbolic items. Political observers are now debating how much influence this Gen Z-driven movement might have on India’s broader political landscape.