Supporters of the youth-led Cockroach movement in New Delhi declared on Tuesday that they would maintain their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, refusing to vacate the site just one day after police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of demonstrators attempting to march toward Parliament. The protesters, who include students, professionals, and families, have vowed to remain at the designated protest site until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged failures in the national examination system.
Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, which was established only two months ago, confirmed the group's intent to stay. The movement, which began as a satirical protest, has evolved into a nationwide campaign focused on addressing unemployment, exam leaks, and broader government accountability. The situation intensified over the weekend after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a three-week hunger strike, was forcibly taken to a hospital by police. Viral social media footage showing officers beating and dragging young protesters fueled public outrage, with videos capturing demonstrators pleading with police to stop the violence.
According to the Delhi Police, the clash resulted in nearly 180 injuries, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters. Despite the heavy police presence and the previous day's violence, participants remain determined. Sona Bisht, a 20-year-old student, stated that the government's actions have only strengthened the resolve of the younger generation. She emphasized that the group is focused on securing their future and will not move until their demands are met. These demands include the resignation of Minister Pradhan, comprehensive examination reforms, and financial compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following alleged exam irregularities.
The political stakes rose on Tuesday as opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and dozens of Congress party lawmakers staged a sit-in protest outside the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several lawmakers were seen fastening zip ties around their wrists as a symbolic gesture. Gandhi stated on X that they were there to demand answers from the Prime Minister regarding the "brutalities against young students" that occurred during the march.
The government attempted its first outreach to the movement on Monday, with a senior minister holding talks with representatives. However, the meeting failed to ease tensions. Dipke accused the authorities of acting in bad faith, alleging that the police baton charge occurred shortly after the protesters had been invited to discuss their grievances. Rights group Amnesty International criticized the police response, noting that the suppression of peaceful dissent violates the right to freedom of assembly as recognized under the Indian constitution. Despite the ongoing crackdown, the movement continues to attract new supporters, including 26-year-old working professional Rabina Kashyap, who joined the protest on Tuesday to stand in solidarity with the students.
Supporters gather at the camping site of the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Shekhar Yadav/AP hide caption
Security officers stand guard at the camping site of the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Shekhar Yadav/AP hide caption
