On 20 July 2026, tens of thousands of protesters defied police orders and descended on New Delhi, with demonstrations also erupting in Mumbai and Bengaluru, demanding the resignation of India's education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, over exam paper leaks. The protests, organized by supporters of the Cockroach Janta party, saw violent clashes with police who used batons and teargas to disperse crowds attempting to march towards India's parliament.
Clashes in Delhi
In Delhi, police fired teargas canisters and wielded batons to push back demonstrators. Images from the scene show injured protesters with blood on their faces, a woman caring for an injured protester, and damaged vehicles on the roads. A member of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was seen firing a teargas canister, while protesters threw canisters back towards police. Security personnel carried away one protester, and police officers grappled with demonstrators in Mumbai as well.
Nationwide Demonstrations
In Mumbai, supporters of the Cockroach Janta party shouted slogans and pointed fingers at security personnel. In Bengaluru, members of the All India Students’ Association, the Cockroach Janta party, and social activists held a demonstration carrying placards, including one depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi being kissed on both cheeks by two men. The protests were sparked by allegations of widespread exam paper leaks that have plagued India's education system.
