Tens of thousands of Indians have been marching under the banner of the Cockroach Janta party, reclaiming a slur after India’s chief justice reportedly referred to unemployed young people as ‘cockroaches’ and ‘parasites’. The Guardian’s south Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen, said: ‘I’ve never seen this many young people out on the streets.’
Origin of the Protests
The protests erupted after leaks of exam papers forced millions of students to resit tests. The scandals have also been linked to dozens of suicides in recent years. Since then, the movement has gathered momentum, with protests against corruption and unemployment, and demands for the resignation of the education minister.
Challenge to Modi’s Government
It is perhaps the biggest challenge to Narendra Modi’s government in years. The question remains whether this week’s concessions will be enough to keep the Cockroach movement off the streets.
