In brief
A youth-driven movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party has taken Delhi’s streets, protesting the integrity of national examinations and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Unlike earlier Modi-era protests, the CJP transcends ideology, targeting administrative failure in exam integrity. The movement, anchored by Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, has spread online and on the ground, drawing tens of thousands to question the government’s accountability. While Prime Minister Modi has pledged punitive measures, scholars warn the protests could either dissipate or become a broader political pressure point. The current wave reflects wider economic frustration among young Indians and may signal a shift towards democratic accountability outside traditional electoral politics.
CJP protest: The youth movement India's Modi didn't see coming
It began with a fear familiar to millions of young Indians: if the examinations that determine their future cannot be trusted, what can?
Weeks later, tens of thousands marched on India's Parliament, facing tear gas and baton charges. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), born out of anger over repeated examination paper leaks, has become the country’s biggest student mobilisation in years.
The movement demands education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. At its centre is Sonam Wangchuk, who lost 11kg during a 26‑day hunger strike to draw attention.
Unlike previous Modi protests, the CJP is not ideologically driven; it challenges the state’s integrity in safeguarding fair exams—a route many young Indians see as essential for social mobility.
Experts note that this movement transcends caste, class or gender: it questions the government’s ability to act responsibly.
If the BJP fails to address the grievances, the protests may dissolve, or they could morph into a larger political force, scholars warn.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the issue publicly, promising fast‑track courts to punish paper leak cases, but whether that satisfies the angry youth remains unclear.
The rally has highlighted a wider economic frustration among young citizens, signalling a potential shift in Indian politics from electoral legitimacy to democratic accountability outside the polls.
