Supporters of India's 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) staged a protest in New Delhi on Saturday, banging steel plates with spoons to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstrations are a response to widespread allegations of examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks that have plagued the country's education system.
The immediate catalyst for the protest appears to be the leak of the exam paper for a nationwide medical program, which was shared on the social media app Telegram. In response, authorities postponed the exam, which is now scheduled for Sunday, and temporarily banned Telegram in India while an investigation is underway.
The CJP movement, which emerged in May, adopted the 'cockroach' moniker after Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant made remarks comparing unemployed youth to the resilient insects. Supporters have embraced the term as a symbol of their own resilience and have amassed a significant following, particularly on Instagram. Beyond exam irregularities, the movement is also voicing broader concerns about unemployment, the rising cost of living, and government accountability.
Protesters, including students and young supporters, carried placards and chanted slogans, with some vowing to continue their demonstrations if their demands are not met. Authorities deployed heavy security, utilizing cameras and drones to monitor the gathering near Parliament.