A student-led protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has gathered momentum in New Delhi, with demonstrators accusing the government of failing to prevent repeated examination paper leaks and protect the future of millions of students.

The protest is being led by Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, who has been camping at Jantar Mantar since Saturday, vowing to continue the agitation until the minister steps down.

Youth voice frustration over examination system

Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University graduate, said the movement reflects growing frustration among young people over repeated examination irregularities, rising unemployment and shrinking opportunities.

The Cockroach Janta Party, launched last month, takes its name from remarks by the Chief Justice of India that were interpreted by some as referring to unemployed youth as “cockroaches.” The group has used satire and symbolic protests to draw attention to its demands.

Participants have carried the Indian Tricolour, copies of the Constitution and placards while maintaining peaceful demonstrations. They have also offered roses to police personnel and used symbolic props, including steel plates and diapers, to highlight concerns over recurring examination paper leaks.

Protest follows fresh examination controversy

The agitation comes after more than 20 lakh candidates who appeared for India’s largest medical entrance examination were informed that their results would be cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak.

Protesters say repeated lapses have undermined confidence in the country’s examination system and placed enormous emotional and financial pressure on students and their families.

The demonstrators also paid tribute to students who reportedly died by suicide amid examination-related stress, calling for urgent reforms to restore fairness and transparency.

Government yet to respond

The Ministry of Education has not issued an official response to the protesters’ demands. However, during a television interview, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the Cockroach Janta Party as the “B-team of terror groups.”

Dipke rejected the remark, stating that the movement is focused solely on seeking accountability and justice for students affected by repeated examination irregularities