Cockroach Janta Party founder leads 1st major street protest in India

Speaking at the protest, movement spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described the initiative as a peaceful platform dedicated to addressing the concerns of India's younger generation

NEW DELHI: The founder of India’s rapidly growing youth-led movement, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), returned to New Delhi on Saturday to spearhead a major protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, marking the movement’s first large-scale demonstration on the ground.

Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old activist who has spent the last two years in the United States, arrived in the Indian capital amid heightened political attention. Before his return, Dipke revealed that many of his relatives and friends feared he could face arrest due to his outspoken criticism of the government.

Security was tightened around Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest venue in central New Delhi, where police erected barricades and deployed a large number of officers. Demonstrators gathered at the site, raising slogans and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over concerns linked to the country’s education system.

The protest comes as the Cockroach Janta Party continues its legal challenge against the government’s decision to block its account on X within India. Government officials have accused the movement of seeking support from hostile foreign elements and spreading anti-government narratives.

Since its launch in May, the online movement has gained extraordinary traction, attracting nearly 22 million followers on Instagram. The group’s popularity has been driven largely by frustration among young Indians over persistent unemployment, repeated examination paper leaks, and limited career opportunities despite the country’s economic growth.

Political observers say the movement has emerged as one of the most significant expressions of youth dissatisfaction during Modi’s more than a decade in power. Rising living costs, fuel price increases, and concerns over economic stability have further amplified support for the campaign.

Speaking at the protest, movement spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described the initiative as a peaceful platform dedicated to addressing the concerns of India’s younger generation. He said Dipke was prepared for what could become a defining moment in the country’s political landscape.

India is home to nearly 400 million people between the ages of 15 and 29, making employment generation a critical challenge. Economists note that many young graduates continue to struggle with joblessness or find themselves working in low-paying positions that fail to match their qualifications, fueling growing discontent among the country’s youth.