Indian Youth Protest in New Delhi Over Unemployment and Exam Leaks

Thousands of young Indians protested in New Delhi this week, attempting to march toward parliament to demand government accountability for systemic youth unemployment and irregularities in national examinations. The demonstrations were led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a social media-driven group founded on May 16, 2026, by student Abhijeet Dipke. The CJP emerged in response to comments by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant, who described unemployed youth as cockroaches.

Protesters specifically called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following corruption allegations and leaks in the national medical entrance examination that reportedly led to 20 student suicides. The unrest spread beyond New Delhi to Mumbai, Goa, and international cities including London and New York.

Police and paramilitary forces used tear gas, sound cannons, and batons to disperse the crowds in New Delhi. The clashes resulted in injuries to approximately 150 protesters and 120 officers. Following the violence, Health Minister JP Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan indicated that the government would consider the group's demands.