The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth‑led movement that erupted from a chief justice’s remark on the unemployed, continues to wield pressure on India’s government. Thousands have gathered at the Jantar Mantar square in New Delhi, where they maintain a round‑the‑clock sit‑in even as teams of police used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds earlier this week. The CJP’s main grievance remains the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following allegations of leaked examination papers.
Opposition figures have stepped in. Rahul Gandhi and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal joined the protest, staging a surprise march around Modi’s house on Tuesday. They demanded the resignation of Pradhan, Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi, arguing that the government has failed to engage in meaningful debate about reforms. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the party was forced to protest externally because parliamentary channels had closed.
Police actions have escalated the drama. On Monday, dozens were injured as police cleared the makeshift tents at Jantar Mantar. A day later, senior MPs, including former minister Sharad Pawar, visited the protesters. The government’s response was swift; Minister Jitendra Singh denied Gandhi’s claims and accused him of “changing the goalpost.”
A key moment came when activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the sit‑in and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the CJP’s demands. He was forcibly removed by police and taken to hospital where he continues his fast. Wangchuk’s plight drew international attention and amplified the protests’ reach beyond Delhi to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
The movement’s satirical name, born from a derogatory labelling of unemployed activists, has resonated in a country where public dissent is rare. The CJP has evolved from a social media campaign into a formidable street movement capable of drawing tens of thousands, challenging Modi’s years of political dominance. With protests intensifying, the government faces an unprecedented test of its crisis‑management and reform agenda.
