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A 2-minute plain-language explainer
Confused by what's going on? Here's the whole story, in plain language, with a source for every claim. No jargon, no spin.
WATCH: ON THE GROUND
What is happening?
Since mid-2026, tens of thousands of students and young Indians have been protesting, centred at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. They are angry about exam paper leaks, a broken examination system, and a wave of student suicides. The protest is led by a youth movement called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Source: Al Jazeera ↗Why 'Cockroach'?
On 15 May 2026, the Chief Justice of India reportedly compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites of society." A day later, communications strategist Abhijeet Dipke turned the insult into a movement, the Cockroach Janta Party, whose name mocks the ruling BJP. It crossed 20 million followers within days, more than the BJP or Congress.
Source: Al Jazeera ↗What set it off?
Alleged paper leaks in NEET-UG (the national medical-entrance exam) and other public exams, followed by cancellations, chaos, and a series of student suicides. Families and students want accountability and real reform of how exams are run.
Source: Al Jazeera ↗Who is Sonam Wangchuk?
A well-known education-reform activist from Ladakh. He began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on 28 June in support of the students. He was hospitalised on day 21 of the fast; CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke then took his place and began his own hunger strike.
Source: The Week ↗What do they want?
Three things: the Education Minister's resignation over the exam leaks, the release of Sonam Wangchuk, and ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide.
Source: ThePrint ↗What's happening right now?
On 20 July, protesters marched toward Parliament despite prohibitory orders. Police used batons and tear gas; around 180 people were injured. Protesters have refused to leave Jantar Mantar and say the movement will continue.
Source: Al Jazeera ↗SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
Ground reports from the trusted channels, so you're not taking anyone's word for it.
HOW WE GOT HERE
- 15 May 2026The Chief Justice of India reportedly calls unemployed youth "cockroaches" and "parasites." Source: Al Jazeera ↗
- 16 May 2026Abhijeet Dipke launches the Cockroach Janta Party online. It gains millions of followers within days. Source: Britannica ↗
- 28 Jun 2026Sonam Wangchuk begins an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the students. Source: The Week ↗
- ~18 Jul 2026Wangchuk is hospitalised on day 21; Dipke takes over the hunger strike. Source: The Week ↗
- 20 Jul 2026The 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament is met with batons and tear gas. Source: Al Jazeera ↗
- 21 Jul 2026Around 180 injured; protesters return to Jantar Mantar and vow to continue. Source: Al Jazeera ↗
WHO'S WHO
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