New Actor: Cockroach movement marches toward India's Parliament

On Monday, July 20, 2026, thousands of supporters of the youth‑led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) marched from Jantar Mantar toward India’s Parliament in New Delhi, defying a police ban. Police fired tear gas and used batons to push them back.

Crowd estimates differed: Al Jazeera and the BBC reported more than 10,000 people, while the Guardian and the New York Times said tens of thousands. Al Jazeera called it the movement’s largest challenge yet to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Protesters demanded action over leaks of high‑stakes national exams—tests that decide college admissions and government jobs—and broader education and employment reforms. Many also called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The CJP, a Gen Z–driven protest banner that began with online satire, has surged since the exam scandal. AP reported it drew wider attention after police forcibly moved hunger‑striking activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site.

After the clashes, movement leaders said a federal minister promised the government would weigh their demands and hold talks (Reuters). Supporters said they would remain in Delhi and continue their sit‑in after the crackdown (CBC).

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources