The Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, formed around alleged question leaks in Indian public examinations, has grown into one of the country’s largest recent student movements. Thousands of students are demanding education-system reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On Monday, protesters marched toward India’s Parliament under a planned “Chalo Parliament” programme, where police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse them. The source says more students have returned to the streets each day since then.

Environmental activist and reformer Sonam Wangchuk supported the movement with a 26-day hunger strike, saying he lost 11 kilograms. He ended the fast on Thursday night, but student leaders said protests would continue until their demands are met. Researchers cited in the report argue that examinations and education can unite people across caste, class and gender divisions, making this a challenge distinct from earlier ideologically based protests.

Researcher Rahul Verma said Monday’s gathering may indicate the movement has crossed an important tipping point, with its future dependent on how the government responds. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused opposition parties of using students as political tools and said the government was committed to resolving their problems through Parliament. Analysts differ over whether the movement will have lasting political effects or fade after offering an outlet for public anger.