Hundreds of young protesters were camped on the streets of Recent Delhi on Thursday, defying latest restrictions in the newest show of strength for a movement that has grow to be one in every of the largest challenges to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The “Cockroach” protests began greater than a month ago over leaks in a few of the country’s best entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs. The movement has since expanded beyond exam grievances, drawing professionals and families while channeling broader frustration.
Thursday’s demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, a chosen protest site in Recent Delhi, followed overnight clashes by which police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, the second such confrontation this week.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party anti government slogans as they they try to march toward India’s Parliament, demanding the resignation of the education minister, in Recent Delhi, India, Monday, July 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup).
On Monday, 1000’s of protesters had defied restrictions and marched toward Parliament before police broke up the demonstration with tear gas and batons.
Protesters regrouped by Thursday morning, returning to the protest site despite roadblocks, while authorities suspended Delhi Metro services at 16 stations to limit access to the demonstrations.
Modi tries to contain protest fallout
The problem of exam leaks has grow to be a strong symbol of frustration for thousands and thousands of young Indians. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, examination system reforms and compensation for families of scholars who died by suicide after exam paper leaks.
Facing mounting pressure, Modi addressed the problem publicly for the primary time Thursday, announcing fast-track courts to handle examination paper leak cases. Fast-track courts are special courts created to hurry up cases in India’s notoriously slow justice system.
Protesters shout slogans during an illustration demanding educational reforms as a part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s ongoing protest movement in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool).
“Nothing is more necessary than the welfare and way forward for our youth!,” Modi wrote on X.
Get every day National news
Get every day Canada news delivered to your inbox so you may never miss the day’s top stories.
The announcement didn’t calm protesters, who said Modi was not addressing their demands for accountability and reform.
“Moderately than providing solution which is convenient for him, he should work toward an answer which is convenient for the nation and set an example,” law student Daksh Bhargava said.
Cockroach party stays true to satirical origins
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party, which launched the protest movement, said they might not end the demonstrations until the education minister resigned. Staying true to the movement’s tongue-in-cheek style, its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, responded by posting a meme of Pradhan captioned, “Hi, my name is Nothing.”
The Cockroach movement began as online satire campaign in May and moved to the streets in June through smaller protests across cities. It gained momentum after distinguished activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the demonstration and started a hunger strike that has lasted greater than three weeks. Police forcibly transferred Wangchuk to a hospital over the weekend.
Protests reflect rising youth anger
For a lot of young Indians, the protests have grow to be one in every of the few visible expressions of dissent in a rustic where demonstrations against Modi’s government have led to a broader crackdown on activists, opposition figures and public protests.
The movement’s rapid growth beyond student groups reflects wider frustration amongst young Indians and echoes a broader trend across South Asia, where young people have driven anti-government movements lately.
The movement also has gained a following amongst Indians of all ages over concerns about government accountability, unemployment and economic opportunity.
Opposition parties have backed the protests, using the problem to challenge the federal government in Parliament. Demonstrations and solidarity events have been held in other Indian cities, reflecting how the movement has spread beyond the capital.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party attempt to neutralize a tear gas shell fired by police as they try to march toward India’s Parliament, demanding the resignation of the education minister, in Recent Delhi, India, Monday, July 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Prakash Singh).
India has one in every of the world’s youngest populations, with thousands and thousands entering a labor market that has struggled to create enough secure, well-paying jobs. Despite years of rapid economic growth, many young people say their prospects haven’t improved.
As one in every of the country’s largest voting blocs, India’s youth could also grow to be an increasingly necessary political force ahead of future elections.
© 2026 The Canadian Press