The Cockroach Janta party began as a joke but rapidly mobilised support from millions of young people angry about the education system and youth unemployment. Protests erupted across India in July 2026, with demonstrators clashing with police and demanding reforms.
Protests in New Delhi and Bengaluru
On 20 July 2026, a protester threw a tear gas canister towards police in New Delhi. Activists in Bengaluru protested against the forced removal of Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janta party on 19 July. Youth-led campaigns demanding educational reforms continued in Bengaluru on 20 July.
Confrontations with Police
Thousands marched towards parliament in New Delhi on 22 July, demanding the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks. Protesters confronted police and were detained in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. A member of the Rapid Action Force fired tear gas canisters towards protesters on the opening day of the parliament's monsoon session.
Political Involvement
India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in protest calling for prime minister Narendra Modi's resignation outside Modi's residence on 21 July, where he was detained by security personnel. Cockroach Janta party founder Abhijeet Dipke was present as doctors checked activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital signs during his hunger strike on 15 July.
Continued Unrest
Supporters gathered after Wangchuk was taken to a hospital by authorities on 19 July. Police dispersed supporters attempting to march toward parliament. A woman held a sanitary pad with a slogan during protests on 22 July. Police officers fired tear gas to disperse activists as demonstrators marched on parliament.
