Protesters across India, led by the youth group known as the Cockroach Janta Party, are refusing to back down until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The movement began as an online satire but has since evolved into a significant nationwide challenge to the government.

The protests were initially triggered in May 2026 after the leak of important exam papers caused public outrage. Since then, the movement's focus has expanded to include youth unemployment and other issues affecting young people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces what is likely the biggest challenge of his third term, as he has promised fast-track courts to address exam fraud but has so far refused to sack the education minister, a stance seen by some as part of a broader pattern.

Amulya Dhawan, a political science and sociology student at Ashoka University and a media volunteer with the Cockroach Janta Party, is among those involved in the protests. India’s Gen Z is also noted for leveraging social media to amplify their movement, described as "televising our revolution."

The protests highlight growing youth dissatisfaction and the political tensions surrounding education and governance in India.

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