Cockroach protests escalate pressure on Modi
India’s government is facing growing pressure after days of demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-driven movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests intensified on Tuesday when senior leaders of the opposition Congress party staged a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, condemning the police response to a massive demonstration in New Delhi a day earlier.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of suppressing dissent after police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters who had gathered near Parliament. Videos circulating online showed opposition lawmakers being detained and taken away in buses before later being released.
The unrest began on Monday when tens of thousands of demonstrators answered the CJP’s call to march as Parliament’s monsoon session opened. Clashes broke out after security forces moved to clear crowds from central Delhi, leaving dozens of protesters and police officers injured.
Despite the crackdown, protesters have maintained a continuous sit-in at Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest site in the capital. The movement has since attracted support from prominent opposition figures, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and veteran politician Sharad Pawar.
Addressing supporters, Gandhi said the government had refused to allow a parliamentary debate on the issue and demanded an apology to students affected by the police action. Government officials rejected the accusation, insisting they were prepared for discussions and accusing the opposition of turning the issue into a political spectacle.
Pradhan later defended the government’s position, saying reforms and accountability, not political drama, were needed to address concerns in the education sector. His remarks did little to calm demonstrators, who continue to call for his resignation.
Originally emerging as a satirical movement, the CJP has rapidly evolved into a nationwide campaign. Its support has grown significantly since education activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest movement and began a hunger strike last month.
What started as a demand for education reforms has now become one of the largest public challenges to Modi’s administration in recent years, with solidarity protests spreading to cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
Source: BBC
About The Author
