Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
23 July 2026 | 09:15 CAT
3-min read

India’s Cockroach Janata Party movement has grown from protests over exam paper leaks into a wider campaign demanding education reform, accountability and democratic freedoms. Political analyst Dr Tanvir Aeijaz explains why the unrest is growing.

An education crisis has become a national political challenge 

What began as student outrage over repeated examination paper leaks has rapidly developed into one of the most significant protest movements facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in recent years.

The movement, known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has grown far beyond its initial focus on examination irregularities. It has become a rallying point for young Indians frustrated by youth unemployment, limited educational opportunities, government accountability and what many see as a shrinking space for democratic dissent.

Speaking to The Insight on Radio Islam International, political scientist Dr Tanvir Aeijaz of Ramjas College at the University of Delhi said the movement reflects years of frustration that finally reached a breaking point.

More than just leaked exam papers

Dr Aeijaz explained that public anger had been simmering long before the current protests erupted. Repeated examination paper leaks, combined with reports that more than 20 students had taken their own lives in connection with the crisis, have left many young people questioning the fairness and credibility of India’s education system.

Members of the Cockroach Janata Party are demanding the resignation of the education minister, compensation for affected families, stronger accountability measures and comprehensive reforms to restore confidence in public examinations.

According to Dr Aeijaz, these demands resonate with a generation increasingly concerned about limited opportunities after graduation and a growing sense that merit is being undermined.

Heavy-handed response fuels further anger

Rather than calming tensions, the government’s response has intensified criticism.

Police used tear gas, baton charges and heavy security deployments to disperse Cockroach Janata Party supporters attempting to march to Parliament in New Delhi.

Dr Aeijaz argued that the response reflects a broader pattern in which space for political dissent has narrowed over the past decade. He believes meaningful dialogue, rather than force, is essential if the government hopes to rebuild trust with students.

Despite the crackdown, protesters quickly regrouped, rebuilt their protest site and resumed demonstrations, signalling that the movement has gathered considerable momentum.

Opposition and civil society rally behind protesters

The protests have also created an opportunity for opposition parties, particularly the Congress Party, to align themselves with the Cockroach Janata Party’s demands.

Dr Aeijaz noted that while opposition groups had already been raising similar concerns, the demonstrations in the capital attracted national attention and encouraged broader political participation.

Beyond political parties, civil society organisations, parents and ordinary citizens have increasingly joined the movement, transforming it from a student campaign into a wider public movement centred on governance and accountability.

Modi urged to engage directly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained largely silent on the protests, leaving much of the government’s response to other ministers.

Dr Aeijaz believes the scale of the crisis now requires the Prime Minister’s direct involvement.

He argued that the protests are no longer simply about examination failures. Instead, they highlight deeper structural challenges, including rising youth unemployment, the growing cost of higher education, declining access to quality public institutions and concerns over transparency within government.t

Could the Cockroach Janata Party reshape India’s politics?

While many protest movements eventually lose momentum, Dr Aeijaz believes the Cockroach Janata Party could have lasting political consequences.

With increasing support from opposition parties, civil society organisations and first-time protesters from diverse backgrounds, the movement has broadened well beyond university campuses.

He noted that the movement is not formally aligned with any single political party. Instead, it has evolved into a broad coalition bringing together students, parents and citizens united by concerns over the future of education and equal opportunity.

Unless the government addresses the underlying issues driving public frustration, Dr Aeijaz warned, the demonstrations are likely to continue expanding.

The path forward

Dr Aeijaz believes the government’s best opportunity to de-escalate the crisis lies in genuine engagement with students.

He called for independent education experts to lead a comprehensive review of India’s examination and higher education systems, alongside meaningful reforms to improve transparency, accountability and fairness.

Without those steps, he warned, the Cockroach Janata Party movement is unlikely to subside and could become a defining moment in India’s contemporary political landscape.

Listen to the full interview on The Insight, presented by Annisa Essack.