New Delhi, June 6: The founder of the rapidly growing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, arrived in the national capital on Saturday to lead a large-scale protest against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the movement's first major demonstration on the streets after gaining massive popularity online.
Dipke, 30, who has been living in the United States for the past two years, landed in New Delhi amid heightened security arrangements. Supporters gathered in the city as authorities deployed additional police personnel around the protest venue near Jantar Mantar, a traditional site for public demonstrations in the capital.
The Cockroach Janta Party has emerged as one of the most prominent youth-led movements in India in recent months. Since its launch in May, the organization has attracted an estimated 22 million followers on social media platforms, largely driven by concerns over youth unemployment, competitive examination paper leaks, and broader economic challenges facing young Indians.
Protesters on Saturday raised slogans demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing authorities of failing to address repeated examination controversies that have affected millions of students across the country.
Security forces erected barricades around parts of central Delhi, while police used loudspeakers to guide demonstrators toward designated protest areas. Authorities maintained a visible presence throughout the day to ensure the gathering remained peaceful.
Speaking to reporters, movement spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described the campaign as a non-violent initiative focused on issues affecting India's youth.
“This is a peaceful movement dedicated to the aspirations and concerns of young people across the country,” Ranka said, adding that Dipke was prepared for a significant day in Indian politics.
The movement has also found itself at the center of a political controversy after its social media account on X was restricted in India. The group has challenged the action in court, arguing that it limits freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticized the organization and questioned some of its activities.
Political observers say the popularity of the movement reflects growing frustration among sections of India's youth over employment opportunities and educational challenges. India has one of the world's youngest populations, with nearly 400 million people between the ages of 15 and 29.
Despite strong economic growth in recent years, economists note that creating sufficient quality jobs remains a major challenge. Official data shows urban youth unemployment remains a significant concern, while many graduates continue to struggle with underemployment and job insecurity.
The Delhi protest is expected to test whether the movement's massive online following can translate into sustained political influence on the ground. As demonstrations continue, both supporters and critics will be watching closely to see how the youth-driven campaign shapes public debate in the months ahead.