India student protests gain opposition backing, pressure Modi government

Thousands of students gathered at a New Delhi protest site on Wednesday, continuing their campaign for accountability and reform following examination scandals. The protests, led by the social media-driven "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) movement, represent a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and have vowed not to leave the Jantar Mantar site until their demands are met. "We will not leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," stated CJP spokesman Ashutosh Ranka. "In the country where people had forgotten how to ask questions, in the country where criticising the government was considered treason - we have now awakened that country."

The movement gained significant momentum Tuesday when opposition parties backed the students, staging a sit-in outside the prime minister's residence. Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi called for government accountability and appeared in parliament dressed in black. The Samajwadi Party also protested, with leader Akhilesh Yadav criticizing Modi's silence on the issue.

The CJP movement originated in May as a satirical response to a judge's reported comments likening young people to "cockroaches" and "parasites." It has since expanded its agenda to address concerns over unemployment, youth opportunities, and what critics describe as Modi's increasingly authoritarian governance style. Police reportedly used tear gas and batons against protesters on Monday.

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We will not leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. In the country where people had forgotten how to ask questions, in the country where criticising the government was considered treason - we have now awakened that country.