Protests Erupt in New Delhi Demanding Resignation of Education Minister
NEW DELHI — On Saturday, a spirited protest took place in New Delhi as supporters of the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters voiced their concerns over allegations of examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks, crucial issues affecting students across the nation.
Hundreds of students and young backers gathered near Parliament, creating a raucous atmosphere as they banged steel plates with spoons to draw attention to their cause. Many held placards expressing their anger and frustration, urging the minister to step down. “This is just the beginning. If Pradhan doesn’t resign or no action is taken, our protests will continue,” declared Deepak Kumar, a supporter of the movement.
The call for resignation intensified after a nationwide medical examination paper was leaked last month via the Telegram app, prompting the government to postpone the exam and impose a temporary ban on the platform in India. This exam, now rescheduled for Sunday, is currently under investigation by authorities.
“Many of us live in poverty while studying tirelessly, only to have our exam papers leaked. How can we not be upset?” expressed student Vicky Kumar, underscoring the frustrations felt by many.
The CJP emerged earlier this year after comments from Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant likening certain unemployed youth to “cockroaches” sparked widespread outrage. Supporters turned the term into a symbol of strength, leading to the group accumulating over 22 million followers on Instagram. The movement’s focus has since broadened to encompass issues such as unemployment, rising costs of living, and the need for greater government accountability.
Habitually laced with humor, the CJP employs self-deprecating jokes about being unemployed and frequently active online. Their creative videos and memes addressing unemployment, corruption, and political issues have garnered millions of views, with many parody accounts adopting the cockroach as a humorous political emblem.
As the protests unfold, the movement continues to gain momentum, resonating with a growing number of young people eager for change in their country.
