Delhi Sees Rising Protests Among Youth
Delhi has turned into a hotspot for protest activity recently.
A prevailing chant among demonstrators captures the sentiment: “Modi, your dictatorship will not work!”
Many young people are fed up with waiting for change and are expressing their frustration loudly and clearly. One protester even called out, “Look, look! A cockroach has come!” referring to the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is channeling long-held frustrations into one of India’s most significant youth-led movements.
This emerging group has become the strongest opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year rule. Despite efforts to disperse the crowds, protesters remain united and determined. As one protester stated, “We were peaceful, just asking for justice.”
The CJP was formed by Abhijeet Dipke after he was inspired by a remark from India’s Chief Justice that referred to young people as “cockroaches” without jobs or professional prospects.
At that time, Abhijeet was studying in Boston and felt compelled to respond. “What if all the cockroaches come together?” he posted, which quickly gained traction. His lighthearted Instagram page amassed over a million followers in just one day, growing to 22 million within four days as many young people felt unheard by their leaders.
Taking on this unexpected role has changed Abhijeet’s life drastically. “I’ve never been so public,” he admitted, expressing the challenges of stepping into a leadership position.
For over a month, Abhijeet and his fellow protestors have been camped out at a designated site in Delhi, despite being labeled as extremists by the government. By allowing them to remain, the administration seems to recognize the genuine discontent brewing among young people.
Recent tragedies, including the suicides of students after a competitive exam paper leak, heightened tensions. Abhijeet called for justice for the affected students, emphasizing the need for a complete overhaul of India’s education system.
As more supporters gathered to march towards Parliament demanding the resignation of the education minister, chants echoed, “Resign!”
Amidst all this, Abhijeet has advocated for a peaceful response, despite rising frustrations. “We will stay until our last breath,” one protester declared, reflecting their unwavering resolve.
With youth unemployment soaring to 40% for those under 25, the competition for secure government jobs is fierce — 12 million students apply yearly for just 500,000 positions.
What started as a peaceful protest has escalated, with authorities resorting to tear gas and sound cannons. Journalist Ruhi Tewari noted that the government’s failure to address the situation early on has led to its current predicament.
Now, the government has begun reaching out, with the health minister meeting CJP leaders and the education minister expressing a commitment to address young people’s concerns.
However, Ruhi cautioned that lasting change may be tough to achieve since the CJP is not an official political party. “You need an electoral presence to create real change,” she added.
Aware of the challenges, Abhijeet commented on the power of social movements, but stressed the importance of holding the government accountable without having to form new political parties.
The future of the Cockroach Janta Party may be uncertain, but Abhijeet has already managed to unite the voices of millions of young people in a way that the government can no longer ignore.
