Protests Erupt in India Over Education Minister’s Resignation Demand
On Saturday, thousands of young people took to the streets in India, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was sparked by dissatisfaction with how the education ministry has managed the recent National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) issue.
In a video shared on social media platform X, the organizers referenced recent protests by Gen Z youth that led to a government change in neighboring Nepal. They indicated that this was just the beginning of their demonstrations, warning that more protests could follow if those responsible for their concerns were not held accountable. The CJP also announced plans for further protests if their call for the education minister’s resignation is not addressed within a week.
The CJP describes itself as a champion for the “lazy and unemployed,” aiming to resonate with young individuals in India who feel marginalized and disregarded. The party’s manifesto includes five key demands focusing on issues of corruption, transparent elections, and increasing women’s representation in politics. Its name is a clever twist on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The movement gained significant traction after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to unemployed youth as “cockroaches” during a Supreme Court hearing, propelling the CJP to amass over 20 million followers on Instagram—surpassing even the ruling BJP.
Founded by Abhijeet Dipke on May 16th, the movement was a direct reaction to the Chief Justice’s comments. After living in the United States for two years, Dipke returned to India for the first time on the day of the protest. Upon arriving, he was seen holding the Indian Constitution and advocating for the minister’s resignation, citing tragic cases where five students took their own lives due to the situation. At the rally, he criticized the ruling party for trapping Indians in divisive religious politics for over a decade, questioning, “Did Hindu-Muslim politics create jobs for anyone?”
The CJP emerged after the NEET exam results were canceled due to a leak of a sample test that had numerous questions identical to the official exam. In the aftermath, many students have faced immense pressure, leading to heartbreaking incidents of suicide, which the CJP harnessed to rally support for their cause.
Despite its rapid growth, the CJP has encountered resistance from the government, including a ban on their initial X account in India. In response, Dipke filed a motion in the Delhi High Court on May 25th contesting the ban on the party’s social media presence.
