Protests erupt over cockroach infestations
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across India in what are being called the "cockroach protests," exposing deep fractures within the government. The movement began after a video of cockroaches crawling over patients in a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh went viral, sparking outrage over sanitation failures and corruption.
Government response criticized
According to reports, the protests have now spread to 15 states, with demonstrators demanding immediate action. The government has deployed police in several cities, leading to clashes that have injured at least 200 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for calm, but opposition leaders accuse the administration of negligence.
Impact on public trust
The protests have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with public services. A recent survey found that 78% of Indians believe sanitation has worsened under the current government. The opposition has seized on the issue, calling for a no-confidence motion in parliament.
