Key facts
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk is leading a Gen Z movement protesting against widespread exam paper leaks.
- The movement demands the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Violent protests in Delhi on Monday injured nearly 180 people, including protesters and police.
- The 'Cockroach Janta Party' movement has drawn support from millions of young Indians.
- Sonam Wangchuk recently concluded a hunger strike and was hospitalized.
India's youth-led 'Cockroach Janta Party' movement, which began as online satire, has escalated into a significant challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The movement, drawing millions of Gen Z supporters, is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over widespread exam paper leaks that affected over 2 million students. The leaks, which led to some students taking their own lives, are seen by the movement as evidence of deep-seated corruption in the education system. The protests intensified on Monday when thousands marched on parliament in Delhi, resulting in clashes with security personnel. Nearly 180 people, including protesters and police, were injured, and 70 protesters were detained. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, known for his work in Ladakh and his inspiration for a Bollywood film character, has galvanized the movement with his recent hunger strike, which led to his hospitalization. Despite the government's engagement with protest leaders, the movement has vowed to continue its demonstrations.