Students Identifying as Cockroaches Camp at Delhi Site Demanding Minister Resignation

Hundreds of students identifying as cockroaches began camping at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 20, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to India's education system, The Independent reported. The students belong to the Cockroach Janata Party, a non-political movement formed after remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder and a recent Boston University graduate, returned to New Delhi in early June to lead the protests after testing the waters on June 6 and organizing events in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Nagpur and Jaipur.

The sit-in followed the cancellation of the NEET medical entrance exam in May after an alleged leak that affected 2.3 million students. Serious flaws later appeared in the online grading system for school-leaving exams. The government banned Telegram to curb leaks, and students retook the NEET exam on June 21 under heightened security.

At least 12 prospective students died by suicide between the cancellation and the re-examination. After nightfall on June 20, hundreds of paramilitary personnel moved in to clear the site. Police were instructed to avoid brute force and later allowed food and water into the venue.

Dipke and supporters remained at the site nearly 48 hours later. "We are demanding justice for the millions of students wronged. We want Dharmendra Pradhan to take responsibility," Dipke said. "More than 10 million students are affected.

A 23-year-old female student said the group sought reforms rather than politics of hate and that the older generation had failed them. Sourav Das, a journalist-turned-spokesperson for the movement, said the group wanted the government to open a channel of communication with a CJP delegation. Isha Sharma, 22, described the protest as leaderless and without ideological or political backing.