India's 'Cockroach Party' seeks education minister's ouster amid cabinet reshuffle talk

Leaders of India's youth Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) are continuing their sit-in protests in Delhi, nearing two weeks, demanding the resignation of the education minister. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has joined the demonstration, initiating a hunger strike in solidarity.

The protests are occurring amid speculation about a significant cabinet reshuffle within the government, with Indian media reporting that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan might be moved from his current portfolio. Pradhan, his ministry, and the government's chief spokesperson have not yet responded to requests for comment.

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With each passing day, more people are coming here from different parts of India. We are waiting to see what the government decides because there are reports of a cabinet reshuffle. Once that announcement comes, we will decide the next course of action.

The CJP, which rapidly gained 22 million Instagram followers last month, cites the leak of question papers for a national medical college entrance examination as the reason for their demand. About 100 CJP supporters gather daily at the protest site. "With each passing day, more people are coming here from different parts of India," said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. He added, "We are waiting to see what the government decides because there are reports of a cabinet reshuffle. Once that announcement comes, we will decide the next course of action."

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A sensitive government in a democracy listens to the pains of the people, and I hope they will take action.

Wangchuk, a vocal critic of the government, stated he would undertake a six-week fast unless he died first. "A sensitive government in a democracy listens to the pains of the people, and I hope they will take action," he said. The CJP, which describes itself as representing "the lazy, the unemployed, and the chronically correct," reflects growing frustrations among India's youth, who form over half the country's population. The unemployment rate for those aged 15-29 is nearly 10 percent, rising to 13.6 percent in urban areas. The exam paper leaks, which led to the cancellation and re-holding of an exam taken by 2.3 million aspirants, have further angered young people.

The CJP has faced criticism from the ruling BJP, with party president Nitin Nabin calling them "virus and cockroach parties" that "can hollow out the country" and are part of an "anti-India gang."

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these virus and cockroach parties can hollow out the country. Such people are part of an anti-India gang and only BJP workers can teach them a lesson.