Thousands of youth gathered in a protest zone in central New Delhi let out a cheer July 25 upon hearing that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had resigned in face of a growing movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party.
The party emerged in May after Indian Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant referred to unemployed and activist-minded youth as “parasites” and “cockroaches.” Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old graduate student, announced he was forming the party as a satirical response to the insult. Word quickly spread online and protests in the group’s name started to build around jobs and education issues.
India is the world’s most populous nation with 1.47 billion people, over 40% under the age of 25. The official unemployment rate is 5.5%, but some 15% of the 370 million Indians age 15 to 25 are jobless. Among university graduates, as many as 40% are unemployed.
The movement helped mobilize the widespread anger as 2.2 million students were ordered to retake highly competitive medical college national entrance exams because test questions had been leaked. The exam system is required for entry into universities and some jobs programs. The exam questions are regularly leaked to those with connections or who can pay. The Cockroach Janta Party became a symbol of defiance and resilience for youth frustrated by government corruption and high unemployment.
The movement attracted protesters well beyond students. Thousands of young workers and others defied government restrictions and marched on parliament in New Delhi July 20. They were met with tear gas and baton-wielding police. Their demands included resignation of the education minister, reform of the exam system and compensation for families of students who committed suicide after exam leaks.
The police attacks intensified anger across India. Thousands continued to gather in Jantar Matar, the designated protest site, many setting up camp. Soon, over 10,000 protesters were there. Authorities shut 17 metro stations and blocked mobile internet to try and keep others away.
People across the country responded by ordering food and water on food apps to be delivered to protesters. The response was so great, organizers asked people to hold off sending more.
Motorbike courier Neg Singh reported he had made 19 trips delivering food there. When one order turned out to be for 70 pizzas, he had to recruit two other couriers to deliver them all.
Singh said he could no longer see himself the same way. “We also feel deeply connected to this protest,” he told the press. “We support it wholeheartedly.”
The protests spread to 30 cities across India. A video of protests in Mumbai captured 27-year-old Rhiya Ahir standing alone in the rain in front of a police van with her hand pushing on its hood. She refused to let the van pass until officers released the protesters detained inside. They let them go.
Farmers’ unions that had led yearlong protests over crop price minimums in 2021 also supported the protests. Rakesh Tikait brought the Bhartiya Kisan farmers’ union solidarity to Jantar Matar, while union national spokesman Dharmendra Malik told ETV Bharat, “Farmers’ full support is with the agitating students.”
After protesters called for nationwide actions July 24, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a video pledging to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift justice and harsher punishment for those who leak exams. It was his first public acknowledgement of the protests.
“An exam paper leak is not a small issue,” Modi said. “Those guilty have been arrested and are in jail.”
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” he claimed. But protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until the education minister resigned.
The news of Pradhad’s resignation didn’t end the protests. Cockroach spokespeople announced they would stay until all their demands were met. A few hours later government negotiators conceded to all demands, including dropping prosecution against demonstrators.
Inspired by victory, other groups, including farmers, announced a new round of protests against government policies.