Youth-led 'Cockroach' Movement Takes on India's Modi Government

WHO:

ABC News World - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is being challenged by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

DW.com - Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is being demanded to resign by the protesters.

DW.com - Sonam Wangchuk, a veteran reform activist, is a symbol of the protests.

DW.com - Renuka Chowdhury, an MP from India's opposition Congress party, criticized the government's actions.

DW.com - Rukmini Singh, a student from Meerut, expressed her anger about the education system.

DW.com - Vasundara Singh, a teacher from Bihar, commented on the injuries of young protesters.

DW.com - Yogendra Yadav, a political activist, noted the significance of youth protests.

DW.com - Amit Shah, Home Minister, and J P Nadda, Health Minister, engaged in talks with CJP leaders.

WHAT:

DW.com - The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical protest against exam leaks and evolved into a movement addressing job and education frustrations.

DW.com - Tens of thousands of supporters marched towards India's Parliament, leading to clashes with police.

DW.com - 60 protesters and 118 police officers were injured during the clashes.

DW.com - Mobile internet was suspended in parts of New Delhi during the violence.

DW.com - The CJP movement gained momentum after Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike.

DW.com - The CJP has transformed satire into sustained street mobilization and forced the government into talks.

WHERE:

DW.com - The protests took place in New Delhi, specifically around the Jantar Mantar protest site.

DW.com - The Cockroach Janta Party is primarily supported by students and the urban middle class in India.

WHEN:

DW.com - The protests occurred on a Monday, specifically July 20.

DW.com - The CJP began as an online campaign in May.

WHY:

DW.com - The movement arose from frustrations over unemployment, shrinking opportunities, and a failing education system.

DW.com - The cancellation of the NEET medical entrance exam due to a leaked question paper sparked outrage among millions of students.

HOW:

DW.com - Riot police used tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters.

DW.com - The government responded to the protests with a combination of police action and political outreach, including talks with CJP leaders.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 10:44 UTC)

Tens of thousands of supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party have marched towards India's Parliament, leading to clashes with police that resulted in injuries to 60 protesters and 118 officers. The movement, which began as a satirical protest against exam leaks, has gained momentum following a hunger strike by veteran reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, and has forced the government into discussions with CJP leaders. Amidst the unrest, mobile internet was suspended in parts of New Delhi as riot police employed tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds.