Hundreds of young protesters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam mismanagement. The satirical movement, started by Abhijeet Dipke after controversial remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant, grew rapidly online — drawing roughly 22 million followers on X before its handle was blocked. Protesters cited leaked entrance exam papers and glitches in a new digital correction system as signs of a failing education system and demanded accountability.
Viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ Protests in Delhi — Youth Demand Education Minister’s Resignation Over Exam Scandals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after their meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj. (is associated with: «India's viral 'cockroach' youth movement takes to the streets of Delhi») -/Italian Government/dpa
Hundreds of young people gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday for a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical youth movement that went viral online. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, blaming alleged mismanagement of public examinations for harming millions of students.
Background
The campaign was launched on May 16 by US-based student Abhijeet Dipke after remarks by India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant comparing some people to "parasites and cockroaches." Kant later clarified he was referring to individuals holding fake degrees, not unemployed graduates. The CJP rapidly attracted attention online, amassing roughly 22 million followers on X before its account was blocked in India following what the platform described as "a legal demand." Organizers quickly registered a new account named "Cockroach Is Back."
Why Protesters Say the System Is Failing
Protesters cited recent controversies — including leaked medical college entrance exam papers and technical problems with a newly introduced digital correction process for school final exams — as evidence of systemic failures in the education sector. The group’s main demand at the rally was the resignation of Mr. Pradhan.
Devotees at Dashashwamegh ghat during Magh mela on a foggy and cold winter morning. (is associated with: «India's viral 'cockroach' youth movement takes to the streets of Delhi») Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Carrying placards that read "Cockroach Never Die" and "How Many Times Will There Be A Paper Leak, Government?", the crowd included school students and young graduates chanting slogans such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" (Victory to Mother India) and "Hum Nahi Darenge" (We Will Not Be Scared). A heavy police presence monitored the demonstration.
"Who is responsible for the collapse of the education system? Who is responsible for so many students committing suicide? Where are the jobs for young people?" asked 23-year-old protester Satya Kumar, voicing broader concerns about accountability and youth unemployment.
The movement describes itself as the "Voice of the Burnt-Out Youth," representing a generation it calls "overqualified, frustrated, and angry." Organizers reported more than 21,750 registered members alongside the millions of online supporters. Dipke, 30, who recently completed a master’s degree in public relations in the United States, attended the protest and has said he received online death threats urging him to shut down the movement.
What Comes Next
Organizers say they will continue to press for transparency and accountability in exam administration and wider education reforms. The protest underscores growing youth frustration in India over educational integrity, employment prospects and institutional accountability.
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