Police block thousands of 'cockroach' protesters marching on India's parliament

Thousands of protesters, calling themselves the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), defied a police ban in Delhi on Monday, attempting to march on India's parliament. The youth-led movement seeks education and employment reforms and demands the resignation of the education minister.

“

Tens of thousands of people attended Monday's protests

Police wielded batons and used tear gas to disperse the crowds in central Delhi. Several demonstrators reported injuries from the cane charges, though police did not comment. Reports indicated some protesters threw stones. The march follows weeks of demonstrations over alleged exam paper leaks and broader concerns about the education system.

The movement has emerged as one of the most prominent expressions of public dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent years. It gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to a hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike. His wife stated his fast continues, and Wangchuk appealed from the hospital to join the march but was denied.

“

His wife says his fast continues.

The CJP takes its name from a remark by India's chief justice, who compared some unemployed youth to "cockroaches," drawing criticism. Despite the police ban, tens of thousands of students, parents, teachers, and professionals gathered at Jantar Mantar. By late evening, police had dismantled the protest site. The monsoon session of parliament was also disrupted by opposition MPs protesting the alleged paper leak.

“

Although police had made clear protesters would not be given permission to march to parliament, tens of thousands of students, parents, teachers and professionals gathered from early morning at Jantar Mantar, a 300-year-old observatory in central Delhi, and remained there despite heavy rain.