world 22 July 2026 Nile Post
India's Modi Government Faces Intensifying Protests Over Education Reforms
Thousands of 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) supporters continue to protest in Delhi, demanding education reforms and the Education Minister's resignation. The youth-led movement has gained significant traction, drawing the attention of major opposition parties. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358304/indias-modi-government-under-growing-pressure-as-cockroach-protests-intensify
Protests against India’s government are mounting as the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continues its demonstrations in the capital, Delhi. The movement is demanding significant education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite heavy rains, thousands of CJP supporters have maintained a round-the-clock sit-in at Jantar Mantar, a site near a historic observatory.
The pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government intensified this week as leaders from the main opposition Congress party joined the protests. On Tuesday, Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, staged a march to the Prime Minister’s residence, demanding the resignations of Pradhan, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Modi himself. Congress leaders shared videos of police detaining their members, who were later released.
The protests escalated on Monday, coinciding with the start of the monsoon session of parliament. Tens of thousands marched towards parliament, but police responded with batons and tear gas, leading to dozens of injuries among both protesters and officers. The police also dismantled protestor encampments, yet demonstrators have remained defiant.
Several prominent opposition figures, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and veteran politician Sharad Pawar, have visited the protesters to show solidarity. Education Minister Pradhan has criticized the Congress party, accusing them of using students for political gain and rejecting Gandhi’s claims about Parliament’s unwillingness to discuss the issue.
The CJP, initially a satirical movement inspired by a controversial remark from India’s chief justice, has evolved into a significant public dissent movement. Their visibility has grown globally, particularly after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined their hunger strike and was later moved to a hospital by police. Support for the CJP is now spreading to other major Indian cities, indicating a broadening base of public discontent.