On Tuesday, central Delhi remained filled with thousands of protesters from the Cockroach Janta party (CJP), a youth-led political movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sweeping education reforms. The protests, which began peacefully on Monday with over 50,000 participants, turned violent when Delhi police used batons and tear gas to prevent a march on parliament, injuring about 60 people and leaving one protester on a ventilator.
Protesters Prepare for Police Action
Taru, a 25-year-old protester, came prepared with a bicycle helmet for protection. "We need to have protection in case Delhi police beat us up again," she said. "We are not scared of them and we won't run away, no matter what they do. We'll stay here till they listen." The crowd at Jantar Mantar, the protest's focal point, remained thick and lively, chanting slogans against the Modi government and calling for the resignation of both the education minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Police Violence Sparks Outrage
Monday's protest started with people sharing snacks and chanting slogans under grueling humidity, but by afternoon, police had kettled the crowd into a restricted area, shut down the internet, and erected barricades. Police claimed they were responding to agitation, but organizers and witnesses described unprovoked attacks, including against women and children. "The day was so wholesome to start with, there was so much love," said Taru. "But after 3pm the police started attacking us. They were bashing us like anything. I saw them come up and hit people on the head as they were sitting down on the pavement doing nothing." She called the police response a "big mistake" that has only agitated protesters further.
Youth Movement Gains Momentum
The CJP movement, which began over leaked exam papers and calls for the education minister's resignation, has now expanded into a broader expression of dissent. Kuhoo Kaushik, 26, a content creator, said, "The solidarity on the streets yesterday filled my heart. How the government responded was really sad, police beating up 14-year-olds is horrible. But personally, I feel like it's really awoken something in me." Some protesters traveled hundreds of miles to join, and many plan to camp until the government responds. Ranjit Verma, 23, declared, "The government needs to understand: we are not going anywhere."
Government Response and Opposition Support
India's main opposition Congress party held its own protest on Tuesday, calling for Modi to resign "for destroying the future of India's youth." While a senior government minister met two CJP spokespeople on Monday, CJP spokesperson Ratna Singh said the government had not responded on Tuesday and the "prime minister has remained silent about what happened." CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke vowed that protests would continue, though he did not outline next steps. Singh added, "Anyone who has tried to speak up against this government has faced terrorism charges or tax raids or jail and there is so much fear. But I am very proud at how many people have showed up and come out on the streets. The police showed us no mercy – but no matter what barbaric treatment they give us, we will not be silenced."
Generational Solidarity
Not only young people attended on Tuesday; Shobha Varma, 80, came with her granddaughter. "Our education system has been failing young people for years," she said. "But when I look out at everyone here, I really feel hope." The protests, which have drawn India's youth—totaling over 600 million—signal a new political awakening, with protesters determined to stay until their demands are met.
