India protest movement holds capital sit-in as police crack down on
demonstrators
[July 23, 2026]
By SHEIKH SAALIQ and SHONAL GANGULY
NEW DELHI (AP) — Thousands of young protesters were camped on the
streets of India’s capital New Delhi on Thursday, defying new
restrictions in the latest show of strength for a movement that has
become one of the biggest challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
government.
India’s “Cockroach” protests began more than a month ago over alleged
leaks in some of the country’s most competitive entrance exams for
medical colleges and government jobs. The movement has since expanded
beyond exam grievances, drawing professionals and families while
channeling broader frustration.
Thursday’s demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in
New Delhi, followed overnight clashes in which police used tear gas and
batons to disperse crowds, the second such confrontation this week.
On Monday, thousands of protesters had defied restrictions and marched
toward Parliament before police broke up the demonstration with tear gas
and batons.
Protesters regrouped by Thursday morning, returning to the protest site
despite roadblocks, while authorities suspended Delhi Metro services at
16 stations across central New Delhi in an effort to limit access to the
demonstrations.
Modi tries to contain protest fallout
The issue of exam leaks has become a powerful symbol of frustration for
millions of young Indians. Protesters are demanding the resignation of
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, examination system reforms and
compensation for families of students who died by suicide after exam
paper leaks.
Facing mounting pressure, Modi addressed the issue publicly for the
first time Thursday, announcing fast-track courts to handle examination
paper leak cases. Fast-track courts are special courts created to speed
up cases in India’s notoriously slow justice system.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!,”
Modi wrote on X.
The announcement failed to calm protesters, who said Modi was not
addressing their demands for accountability and reform.
“Rather than providing solution which is convenient for him, he should
work toward a solution which is convenient for the nation and set an
example,” law student Daksh Bhargava said.
Cockroach party stays true to satirical origins
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party, which launched the protest
movement, said they would not end the demonstrations until the education
minister resigned. Staying true to the movement’s tongue-in-cheek style,
its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, responded by posting a meme of Pradhan
captioned, “Hi, my name is Nothing.”
[to top of second column]
|
A protestor sits on the hood of a police car during a demonstration
demanding educational reforms as part of the Cockroach Janta Party's
ongoing protest movement in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, July 22,
2026. (AP Photo/Vipin)
The Cockroach movement began as online satire campaign in May and
moved to the streets in June through smaller protests across cities.
It gained momentum after prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk joined
the demonstration and began a hunger strike that has lasted more
than three weeks. Police forcibly transferred Wangchuk to a hospital
over the weekend.
Protests reflect rising youth anger
For many young Indians, the protests have become one of the few
visible expressions of dissent in a country where demonstrations
against Modi’s government have led to a broader crackdown on
activists, opposition figures and public protests.
The movement’s rapid growth beyond student groups reflects wider
frustration among young Indians and echoes a broader trend across
South Asia, where young people have driven anti-government movements
in recent years.
The movement also has gained a following among Indians of all ages
over concerns about government accountability, unemployment and
economic opportunity.
Opposition parties have backed the protests, using the issue to
challenge the government in Parliament. Demonstrations and
solidarity events have been held in other Indian cities, reflecting
how the movement has spread beyond the capital.
India has one of the world’s youngest populations, with millions
entering a labor market that has struggled to create enough secure,
well-paying jobs. Despite years of rapid economic growth, many young
people say their prospects have not improved.
As one of the country’s largest voting blocs, India’s youth could
also become an increasingly important political force ahead of
future elections.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
