Gen Z 'Cockroach Party' stages first street protest in New Delhi

Hundreds of mostly young Indians gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday for the first street protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The demonstration marks the movement’s first transition from online activity to physical street politics, serving as a real-world test of its ability to channel digital momentum into grassroots mobilisation.

The protest was led by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist and Boston University student who arrived in the capital from the United States. Police had laid steel barricades at New Delhi’s international airport ahead of his arrival. Dipke confirmed via social media that authorities had granted permission for the CJP to hold the gathering, posting, “Cockroaches gather at Jantar Mantar.”

Organisers used social media platforms to rally supporters, specifically demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This call for accountability stems from an exam irregularity controversy that emerged in May, which quickly became a broader outlet for frustration regarding India’s education system and limited job opportunities. Supporters chanted slogans including, “Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is going!”

The CJP emerged just three weeks ago as a parody political party inspired by a May hearing where India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant likened critics and some unemployed youth to cockroaches. Dipke utilised the insult to create a movement that has amassed more than 15 million followers on Instagram within a week of launching its website. The group has adopted the cockroach as a symbol of endurance, blending self-deprecating humour with political criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Participants were encouraged to bring India’s national flag and a book to symbolise the right to education and equal opportunity. Organisers urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and avoid confrontations with police. The movement reflects broader disillusionment among young Indians, who constitute more than a quarter of the population but face rising unemployment and economic pressures, echoing similar youth-led anti-government trends across South Asia.