India's 'Cockroach Janta Party' to continue protests after dozens wounded in police altercations

India's youth-led "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) movement has vowed to press on with its protests demanding the education minister's resignation, following a day of violent clashes with police in central Delhi that injured scores of demonstrators and security personnel. The movement, which began as online satire, has become a significant challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Millions of young Indians, identifying as Gen Z, support the CJP's call for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The protests stem from alleged deep-seated corruption in education, highlighted by the leaking of exam papers for a national medical school entrance test in May. This incident forced students to retake the exam and, tragically, led some to take their own lives.

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The protest against the Education Minister continues at Jantar Mantar.

Monday saw thousands of protesters march on parliament, resulting in clashes where police employed cane charges and tear gas. Delhi Police reported that over 118 security personnel and 60 protesters sustained injuries. Seventy protesters were detained, with legal action pending. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke apologized to supporters for the "inhumane actions of the Delhi Police," particularly alleging that female protesters were mistreated by male officers.

Despite the crackdown, around 150-200 protesters gathered at the Jantar Mantar site on Tuesday, chanting slogans amid light rain. Security remained heightened. The movement gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike, though he was later moved to a hospital by authorities. The CJP's demands include the release of Wangchuk, Pradhan's resignation, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide.

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We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police.