India's Gen Z Protests Escalate: Cockroach Janta Party Demands Education Minister's Resignation

Thousands of young people, organized under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), clashed violently with Delhi Police on July 20, 2026, as they attempted to march towards India's Parliament. The protests, primarily led by Gen Z, are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a complete overhaul of the education system following widespread exam paper leaks, especially in the crucial NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance examination. The CJP movement, which started as a satirical online campaign in May 2026 after a Supreme Court Chief Justice reportedly used the term 'cockroaches' for some unemployed youth, has quickly grown into a major youth-led agitation. The NEET-UG 2026 exam, taken by over 2.27 million students, was cancelled on May 12, 2026, due to evidence of question paper leaks, prompting national outrage and a CBI investigation. Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest with a hunger strike, leading to his forced hospitalization and further fueling student anger against alleged police brutality and government inaction. With multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against protesters and accusations of excessive force against the Delhi Police, the situation remains tense in the capital. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strict action against those involved in the paper leaks, the government has largely remained silent on the protesters' broader demands and the calls for the Education Minister's resignation. The CJP has vowed to continue its agitation, signaling a prolonged confrontation over the future of India's education and the role of its youth in national politics.