New Delhi students stage first street protest led by viral Cockroach Janta Party

NEW DELHI: Students gathered in the Indian capital on Saturday for the first street demonstration organised by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, protesting alleged irregularities in major examinations.

Participants carried paper cockroach masks and pamphlets as they joined a sit-in calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has come under criticism over the reported irregularities, including question paper leaks and technical problems.

The protest marked the movement’s first appearance on the streets after it built a large following online. The Cockroach Janta Party has drawn millions of followers on social media since it was launched last month.

Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, was photographed arriving in New Delhi holding a copy of My Autobiography by Dr B. R. Ambedkar before later addressing supporters at the protest site. Images from the gathering showed demonstrators in cockroach-themed masks and others holding placards, including one reading I am a Cockroach.

The Indian government has blocked the movement’s X account inside the country, a decision the group has challenged in a Delhi court.

Political analysts say the party’s rise has started to affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image despite his party’s recent wins in key state elections. Broader public discontent has also been fuelled by rising fuel prices and gas shortages linked to the Iran war.