Thousands of Gen Z students are protesting in New Delhi, driven by frustrations over youth unemployment and economic mobility. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which began as a satirical online movement, has evolved into a serious protest group demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to recent exam paper leaks.
The protests have intensified, with demonstrators clashing with police, resulting in injuries on both sides. Analysts, including Atman Trivedi from DGA Albright Stonebridge Group, suggest these protests could represent a significant public challenge to the government, reminiscent of the farmers' protests in 2020-2021.
The CJP has gained substantial traction on social media, amassing over 22 million followers, although its account was recently taken down. Political figures, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, are also voicing support for the students, highlighting systemic issues in the education sector.
The unrest reflects broader dissatisfaction with the government's handling of employment and education, with experts noting that the protests are spreading across multiple cities and could signal increasing political instability ahead of the 2029 elections