New Delhi: Thousands of people gathered once again at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, just a day after violent clashes between police and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The renewed demonstration came despite a police crackdown on Monday, when protesters attempting to march towards Parliament were stopped by security forces. Authorities used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd after the march violated restrictions imposed in central Delhi.
Dozens Injured During Monday’s Protest
According to police, at least 70 protesters were detained, while 118 police personnel sustained injuries during the clashes. Protest organizers, however, claimed that around 60 demonstrators were injured, including several women and students, after police used force to clear the protest site.
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as protesters ran from advancing police, with several people reportedly suffering head injuries and fractures. Authorities also dismantled the protest stage and temporary shelters at Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police later alleged that demonstrators became violent, attacked officers with stones, damaged government vehicles, and attempted to breach barricades. The CJP denied the allegations, insisting that the protest remained peaceful until police intervened.
Opposition Slams Government
The police action sparked strong criticism from opposition leaders.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi described the protesters’ demands as legitimate and accused the central government of ignoring the concerns of students and young job seekers. On Tuesday, Gandhi led Congress MPs in a march toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, demanding accountability over the police action.
He also criticized the government for refusing to hold a discussion on the issue in Parliament and called for responsibility over the handling of the protests.
What Is the Cockroach Janta Party?
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is not a registered political party but a youth-led movement that has gained nationwide attention over the past few months.
The movement’s unusual name originated from controversial remarks made earlier this year by India’s Chief Justice, who used the word “cockroach” while referring to unemployed youth entering journalism and activism. The comment sparked widespread criticism, although he later clarified that he was referring only to people holding fake educational degrees.
Since then, the CJP has evolved into a nationwide campaign focused on education reforms, transparency in competitive examinations, and accountability for examination irregularities.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Adds Momentum
The movement received major public attention after education reform activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on 28 June, launching an indefinite hunger strike in support of the protesters’ demands.
Police removed Wangchuk from the protest site on Saturday and shifted him to a hospital, where he has continued his fast.
His participation significantly increased national attention on the movement, attracting support from opposition parties, farmer organizations, activists, and several Bollywood personalities.
Meeting With Government Ends Without Breakthrough
On Monday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda met a delegation of CJP leaders to discuss their demands.
Following the meeting, Nadda said the discussions were cordial and appealed to protesters to end their sit-in while the government considered their concerns.
However, CJP representatives said the meeting produced no concrete assurances. According to the organization, the government only promised to examine their demands without announcing any specific action.
Protest Resumes After Internet Services Restored
Internet connectivity around the protest area remained disrupted for several hours on Monday.
After services resumed, videos showing police action spread rapidly across social media. The footage intensified public anger and encouraged many protesters to return to Jantar Mantar later that night.
The CJP announced that its protest would continue, posting on social media that the movement was “not ending” despite the police action.
Why Are Students Protesting?
The movement initially began over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India’s largest medical entrance examination.
Around 2.28 million candidates appeared for the exam in May. It was later cancelled following allegations that the question paper had leaked, forcing authorities to conduct a re-examination.
The controversy triggered nationwide outrage among students and parents. Protesters argue that the repeated examination controversies have damaged public confidence in India’s education system.
The CJP has demanded comprehensive reforms to improve transparency in competitive examinations and has called for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, saying he should accept moral responsibility for the NEET controversy.
Pradhan has rejected the demand and has previously accused the movement of acting on behalf of disruptive political interests.
Protest Movement Continues
Despite heavy police deployment and repeated warnings from authorities, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed.
With growing political support, nationwide attention, and continued public participation, the education reform movement has emerged as one of the most significant youth-led protests in India in recent years.
