India’s ‘cockroach’ protesters explain how they toppled one of Modi’s ministers

Promises of economic abundance alone can’t sustain public trust when Asia’s younger generations value fairness of opportunity over growth

Such a wave reached New Delhi in July 2026 with the resignation of a cabinet minister after seven weeks of agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The protest, which began on June 6, transformed central New Delhi into the epicenter of a nationwide movement demanding accountability for the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) exam leak, reforms to India's examination system, and Pradhan's resignation.

Enraged that India’s top judge likened unemployed youths to insects and “parasites”, and that millions saw medical exams compromised by leaks, Mr Dipke lit a fuse.