Cockroach movement protests against Modi government in New Delhi

Trigger: Scandals surrounding nationwide exams

According to government data, the unemployment rate among 15- to 29-year-olds in 2025 was 9.9 percent, and in urban areas as high as 13.6 percent. The protests cast a spotlight on the difficult situation of young people in the labor market and on growing discontent over a lack of opportunities. According to experts, the influx for the CJP reflects the growing frustration of young Indians over the economic situation and the government's education policy.

On the margins of the demonstrations, clashes broke out between protesters and police, according to the news agency APA. Security forces in blue protective gear reportedly moved against the crowd near the protest site Jantar Mantar. Protesters sought shelter as tear gas and batons were used, reporters said. The police apparently tried to stop the demonstration march, which was aiming to march on central government buildings in New Delhi.

The Indian government had offered talks with representatives of the movement in the morning, according to organizers. A spokesperson said: "The government had reached out for talks in the morning." However, the demonstration leadership signaled that the talks were not sufficient. Student K.M. captured the mood of many participants with the words: "We want the government to hear us, not silence us." With this, the protesters pointed to the desire for genuine political participation rather than mere offers of dialogue.

Government's offer of talks and police operation

In addition to the resignation of the education minister, the CJP movement is also demanding a comprehensive investigation into the exam scandals. According to official figures, more than two million people nationwide had to retake a test because questions had been leaked in advance or technical systems failed during the examinations. For those affected, this in some cases meant multiple journeys, additional costs, and considerable uncertainty about their professional future.

Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known civil rights activist and former government partner, had pointed to the growing discontent days earlier. He described the situation with the words: "The youth have gathered in huge numbers." Wangchuk is considered one of the symbolic figures of the protest, even though the organizational leadership is broader. His commitment has helped the movement gain public attention beyond social media.

Political background and role of the Janta Party

The police had originally not authorized the demonstration route and tried to block the march toward the parliament building. Observers interpreted the clashes as an escalation of a conflict that had been building for weeks. The government of Chief Minister Modi is thus under additional pressure: after economic concerns and international tensions, critics see the exam scandals as a further sign of failures in the education sector.

The protesters announced that they would continue their actions in the coming days if their demands were not met. The CJP called for further demonstrations via its social media channels. At the same time, pressure grew on the ruling Janta Party, which has so far not officially commented on the recent events. Indian media are discussing whether the images from New Delhi will leave a lasting mark on the government's image at home and abroad.

International observers see the protests as a turning point for the political mood among young Indians. Even though the government has offered talks, the images of blue police lines and fleeing demonstrators show that the situation remains fragile. The coming days will show whether the movement manages to maintain its pressure or whether the security authorities are able to further restrict the protests.