Calling themselves the 'Cockroaches,' young Indians are channeling anger over failings in the education system into a broader campaign for government accountability. In doing so, they have mounted one of the most visible public challenges in recent years to the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
On July 22, 2026, thousands gathered in New Delhi for a protest demanding the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination paper leaks. Protesters carried posters with messages like 'Save Our Constitution' in Hindi.
Among the protesters was one covering himself with a banner bearing the portrait of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was forcibly taken to a hospital by police after staging a hunger strike in support of the Cockroach movement.
People from across India have been ordering food through delivery apps for the protesters, showing support. Volunteers distribute food packages sent by supporters nationwide.
The Cockroach movement has spread widely among youth, sparking a new wave of protests demanding government accountability.