Indian 'Cockroach Party' demands minister's resignation amid protests

What began as an internet joke has rapidly evolved into a significant youth protest movement in India, drawing tens of thousands to New Delhi. The "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP), a name inspired by a judge's comment comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches, has become a rallying point for dissatisfied young people facing high unemployment.

The movement, led by 30-year-old strategist Abhijeet Dipke, is primarily protesting perceived flaws in India's education system. A key demand is the reform of the country's notoriously difficult medical college entrance exams. The CJP is also calling for the resignation of the education minister.

While not a formal political party, the CJP's influence has grown since its first protest in June. Recent demonstrations in New Delhi, despite police denials of permits, have seen clashes. Police have used batons and tear gas against protesters attempting to breach barricades, leading to numerous injuries on both sides. "Some parts of the protest were calmer with students demonstrating, but elsewhere stones were thrown and people tried to destroy cars. It was quite scary," said 19-year-old engineering student Siddhant Saxena.

The CJP also functions as a parody of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protests have gained traction, with opposition leaders from the Congress Party condemning the police action and alleging they were prevented from raising the issue in parliament. The scale of the demonstrations marks one of the largest against Modi's government in recent years.

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Some parts of the protest were calmer with students demonstrating, but elsewhere stones were thrown and people tried to destroy cars. It was quite scary.