Thousands of youth-led protesters, including Gen Z-ers, descended on New Delhi on Monday in one of the largest anti-government rallies in years. More than 10,000 people braved police orders and overnight camping to march on parliament at the start of its monsoon session, representing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
The demonstrators are part of the Cockroach Janta Party, a movement that evolved from a satirical youth platform. They are demanding the resignation of India's education minister following growing anger over irregularities and paper leaks in major university examinations. Protesters were further galvanized by the forced removal of a hunger-striking social activist to a hospital against his will.
Despite a ban issued by police on Sunday, protesters clashed with armoured riot police who used tear gas, cane charges, and baton charges to scatter the crowd. The confrontations occurred as the demonstrators attempted to reach parliament to voice their demands.
Amidst the clashes, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, Saurav Das, stated that two members of the movement were on their way to meet a senior minister in the cabinet. The movement also reported that a federal minister has promised the government would weigh its demands.