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| Sonam Wangchuk |
What happens when a Supreme Court judge calls unemployed youth "cockroaches"? In India, it sparked a political movement that has amassed over 22 million Instagram followers and is now challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in the streets of Delhi .
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, has transformed online satire into a formidable protest movement. Backed by renowned educationist and water conservation activist Sonam Wangchuk—who is now on a hunger strike—the CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination paper leaks that have derailed the careers of millions of students .
This isn't just another Indian protest. This is the voice of a generation that feels unheard, unemployed, and betrayed by a system that promises merit but delivers corruption. As one young protester put it: "Everything in India has been compromised by the incompetent ministers who believe power is their inheritance" .
The Trigger: When NEET-UG Paper Leaks Broke a Generation
2.3 Million Dreams on Hold
On May 3, 2026, approximately 2.3 million students across India sat for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG)—the sole gateway to undergraduate medical courses in the country, with fewer than 150,000 seats available . Days later, evidence emerged that the question paper had been leaked on platforms like Telegram before the exam, with alleged leak operators selling access for anywhere between 20,000 to 200,000 Indian rupees .
The National Testing Agency (NTA) was forced to cancel the results and order a re-test in June, deploying military aircraft to transport exam papers and temporarily blocking Telegram in India—a first-of-its-kind move .
For students like 18-year-old Sachin Kumar, who had studied for a year, the cancellation "broke my resolve." He told Al Jazeera: "Students slip into depression, and no one cares" . Tragically, at least 22 students took their own lives following the leak, with some estimates suggesting the number is even higher .
On May 3, 2026, approximately 2.3 million students across India sat for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG)—the sole gateway to undergraduate medical courses in the country, with fewer than 150,000 seats available . Days later, evidence emerged that the question paper had been leaked on platforms like Telegram before the exam, with alleged leak operators selling access for anywhere between 20,000 to 200,000 Indian rupees .
The National Testing Agency (NTA) was forced to cancel the results and order a re-test in June, deploying military aircraft to transport exam papers and temporarily blocking Telegram in India—a first-of-its-kind move .
For students like 18-year-old Sachin Kumar, who had studied for a year, the cancellation "broke my resolve." He told Al Jazeera: "Students slip into depression, and no one cares" . Tragically, at least 22 students took their own lives following the leak, with some estimates suggesting the number is even higher .
A Pattern of Impunity
The 2026 NEET leak wasn't an isolated incident. In 2024, a similar leak occurred, though a re-test wasn't ordered . The 2026 scandal, however, coincided with the birth of the CJP—a satirical movement that gave angry youth a collective identity . The group's name directly references Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant's comments comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches, which he later clarified were aimed at those with "fake and bogus degrees" .
Sonam Wangchuk: The 'Asian Nobel' Winner Who Won't Give Up
Sonam Wangchuk: The 'Asian Nobel' Winner Who Won't Give Up
A Hunger Strike That Shook Delhi
Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old engineer and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner (often called Asia's Nobel Prize), is no stranger to standing up to the government . Known globally for pioneering water conservation projects like the Ice Stupa, Wangchuk spent six months in jail last year following violent protests in Ladakh—allegations he has denied .
On June 28, 2026, Wangchuk began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the CJP's demands. His message was stark: "I will fast for six weeks unless I die first" .
By the 19th day, his health was deteriorating rapidly. His spokesperson reported: "Sonam sir is not doing so well, and his rib cage has started showing. He's nearly 60, has lost muscle mass; the heat and humidity are not helping either" . He had lost over 9 kilograms .
Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old engineer and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner (often called Asia's Nobel Prize), is no stranger to standing up to the government . Known globally for pioneering water conservation projects like the Ice Stupa, Wangchuk spent six months in jail last year following violent protests in Ladakh—allegations he has denied .
On June 28, 2026, Wangchuk began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the CJP's demands. His message was stark: "I will fast for six weeks unless I die first" .
By the 19th day, his health was deteriorating rapidly. His spokesperson reported: "Sonam sir is not doing so well, and his rib cage has started showing. He's nearly 60, has lost muscle mass; the heat and humidity are not helping either" . He had lost over 9 kilograms .
Forcible Hospitalisation and 'Illegal Detention'
On July 18, the Delhi High Court, acting on a petition, ordered authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health and intervene if his condition worsened . Delhi Police forcibly moved him from the protest stage to Safdarjung Hospital under a white sheet, sparking chaos among supporters .
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, alleged this was "illegal detention" disguised as medical care. With "around 30 police personnel stationed on our floor and well over 100 across the hospital," the family's movement was severely restricted . Wangchuk reportedly declined intravenous fluids and medication despite counselling . The High Court has since dismissed a PIL challenging his forced removal, noting that Wangchuk's wife had already filed a related plea .
Wangchuk's message to supporters before his removal was clear: "Don't save me, save the cause. Smaller movements have brought down many governments in India, and here it is about education" .
Abhijeet Dipke: The 30-Year-Old Who Went Viral
On July 18, the Delhi High Court, acting on a petition, ordered authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health and intervene if his condition worsened . Delhi Police forcibly moved him from the protest stage to Safdarjung Hospital under a white sheet, sparking chaos among supporters .
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, alleged this was "illegal detention" disguised as medical care. With "around 30 police personnel stationed on our floor and well over 100 across the hospital," the family's movement was severely restricted . Wangchuk reportedly declined intravenous fluids and medication despite counselling . The High Court has since dismissed a PIL challenging his forced removal, noting that Wangchuk's wife had already filed a related plea .
Wangchuk's message to supporters before his removal was clear: "Don't save me, save the cause. Smaller movements have brought down many governments in India, and here it is about education" .
Abhijeet Dipke: The 30-Year-Old Who Went Viral
From Boston to Jantar Mantar
Abhijeet Dipke, who had been living in the United States for two years, returned to India in June to lead the CJP's first street protest . Carrying a copy of India's constitution, he was greeted by hundreds of chanting supporters at Delhi airport .
The CJP's rapid rise is nothing short of extraordinary. Within days of its May 2026 launch, it amassed over 15 million Instagram followers—more than the BJP's official account . This number has since grown to over 22 million . The party's logo: an outline of a cockroach on a mobile phone .
Dipke describes the movement as "the voice of those students that are angry with the government" . The party's unconventional membership criteria include being "unemployed, lazy, chronically online, and able to rant professionally" . It has received over 400,000 membership applications, with 70% aged between 19 and 25 .
Abhijeet Dipke, who had been living in the United States for two years, returned to India in June to lead the CJP's first street protest . Carrying a copy of India's constitution, he was greeted by hundreds of chanting supporters at Delhi airport .
The CJP's rapid rise is nothing short of extraordinary. Within days of its May 2026 launch, it amassed over 15 million Instagram followers—more than the BJP's official account . This number has since grown to over 22 million . The party's logo: an outline of a cockroach on a mobile phone .
Dipke describes the movement as "the voice of those students that are angry with the government" . The party's unconventional membership criteria include being "unemployed, lazy, chronically online, and able to rant professionally" . It has received over 400,000 membership applications, with 70% aged between 19 and 25 .
'Not Nepal, Not Bangladesh'
Despite comparisons to Gen Z-led protests in Nepal and Bangladesh that ousted governments, Dipke insists the CJP will remain within constitutional boundaries .
"We will do it in a very democratic and peaceful way. It won't be something like we saw in Nepal or Bangladesh," he said . When Wangchuk was hospitalised, Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike, vowing that the movement would continue until their demands are met .
Jantar Mantar, Parliament, and Police Crackdown
A 'Sensory Onslaught' of Democracy
The protest site at Jantar Mantar—Delhi's traditional venue for public demonstrations—has been transformed into a remarkable display of peaceful resistance. Despite Delhi's sweltering summer heat, thousands have gathered daily, with food stalls, street theatre, lectures, and even hip-hop performances .
Filmmaker Natasha Badhwar described it as a "sensory onslaught" but also "deeply reassuring"—a "spectacle of democracy at work" . Remarkably, despite the crowds, there hasn't been a single reported incident of misconduct towards women .
Despite comparisons to Gen Z-led protests in Nepal and Bangladesh that ousted governments, Dipke insists the CJP will remain within constitutional boundaries .
"We will do it in a very democratic and peaceful way. It won't be something like we saw in Nepal or Bangladesh," he said . When Wangchuk was hospitalised, Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike, vowing that the movement would continue until their demands are met .
Jantar Mantar, Parliament, and Police Crackdown
A 'Sensory Onslaught' of Democracy
The protest site at Jantar Mantar—Delhi's traditional venue for public demonstrations—has been transformed into a remarkable display of peaceful resistance. Despite Delhi's sweltering summer heat, thousands have gathered daily, with food stalls, street theatre, lectures, and even hip-hop performances .
Filmmaker Natasha Badhwar described it as a "sensory onslaught" but also "deeply reassuring"—a "spectacle of democracy at work" . Remarkably, despite the crowds, there hasn't been a single reported incident of misconduct towards women .
Parliament March and Tear Gas
On July 20, CJP led a planned march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament, with thousands of students participating . Wangchuk had described it as India's "second freedom movement" . Delhi Police, however, claimed "no permission had been sought or granted" for the march .
Police responded with baton charges and tear gas shells, detaining several protesters . Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were also detained after protesting outside Modi's residence . A day later, the CJP announced it would not attempt another Parliament march for now but vowed to continue the sit-in .
Political Reactions: Who's With the CJP?
Opposition Support
Several opposition figures have voiced support for the CJP and Wangchuk. Rahul Gandhi called the NEET leak "a crime that destroys the future of young people" . Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the leak as "a top-down conspiracy" . Delhi's former Education Minister Manish Sisodia, along with actor Shabana Azmi and activist Brinda Karat, have also joined the protests .
On July 20, CJP led a planned march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament, with thousands of students participating . Wangchuk had described it as India's "second freedom movement" . Delhi Police, however, claimed "no permission had been sought or granted" for the march .
Police responded with baton charges and tear gas shells, detaining several protesters . Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were also detained after protesting outside Modi's residence . A day later, the CJP announced it would not attempt another Parliament march for now but vowed to continue the sit-in .
Political Reactions: Who's With the CJP?
Opposition Support
Several opposition figures have voiced support for the CJP and Wangchuk. Rahul Gandhi called the NEET leak "a crime that destroys the future of young people" . Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the leak as "a top-down conspiracy" . Delhi's former Education Minister Manish Sisodia, along with actor Shabana Azmi and activist Brinda Karat, have also joined the protests .
Government Response
Prime Minister Modi has promised strict action against those responsible for the leaks . However, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has not resigned, and the cabinet reshuffle that some sources speculated would remove him has not materialised . Instead, Health Minister J.P. Nadda met CJP representatives to discuss their demands, which include Wangchuk's release, Pradhan's resignation, and 10 million rupees compensation for each student who died by suicide following the leak .
The Numbers That Explain the Anger
The Numbers That Explain the Anger
The CJP's popularity reflects deep structural problems in India:
Youth Population: 65% of India's 1.42 billion people are under 35 .
Unemployment: The unemployment rate for 15-29 year olds is 9.9%, rising to 13.6% in urban areas .
Exam Pressure: NEET has fewer than 150,000 seats for 2.3 million aspirants .
Financial Stress: 54% of Indian Gen Zs have postponed major life decisions like buying homes due to economic worries .
As one young supporter put it: "The cockroach reflects resilience, coming back strongly after every challenge" .
Conclusion: Can This Movement Force Change?
The CJP and Sonam Wangchuk have achieved something remarkable: they've transformed online satire and youth anger into a sustained, disciplined protest movement that has captured national attention. They've forced the government to engage, drawn support from opposition leaders, and kept the pressure on through both peaceful sit-ins and a hunger strike that nearly cost Wangchuk his life.
But will it be enough?
Wangchuk remains hospitalised, his health precarious. CJP's demands—Pradhan's resignation, systemic reforms, and compensation for victims—remain unmet. Modi's government has shown resilience against past protests, and the BJP's Hindutva base remains loyal.
Yet the CJP has tapped into something deeper. It's not just about NEET—it's about unemployment, inequality, and a generation that feels its future has been stolen. As Wangchuk said: "Smaller movements have brought down many governments in India, and here it is about education" .
For now, the cockroaches aren't going anywhere. The question is whether India's government will listen before the hunger strikes claim more lives.
What do you think? Can the CJP force meaningful reforms? Should Dharmendra Pradhan resign? Share your opinion in the comments.
Follow our coverage for updates on the CJP protests, Sonam Wangchuk's health, and India's ongoing education crisis.
Youth Population: 65% of India's 1.42 billion people are under 35 .
Unemployment: The unemployment rate for 15-29 year olds is 9.9%, rising to 13.6% in urban areas .
Exam Pressure: NEET has fewer than 150,000 seats for 2.3 million aspirants .
Financial Stress: 54% of Indian Gen Zs have postponed major life decisions like buying homes due to economic worries .
As one young supporter put it: "The cockroach reflects resilience, coming back strongly after every challenge" .
Conclusion: Can This Movement Force Change?
The CJP and Sonam Wangchuk have achieved something remarkable: they've transformed online satire and youth anger into a sustained, disciplined protest movement that has captured national attention. They've forced the government to engage, drawn support from opposition leaders, and kept the pressure on through both peaceful sit-ins and a hunger strike that nearly cost Wangchuk his life.
But will it be enough?
Wangchuk remains hospitalised, his health precarious. CJP's demands—Pradhan's resignation, systemic reforms, and compensation for victims—remain unmet. Modi's government has shown resilience against past protests, and the BJP's Hindutva base remains loyal.
Yet the CJP has tapped into something deeper. It's not just about NEET—it's about unemployment, inequality, and a generation that feels its future has been stolen. As Wangchuk said: "Smaller movements have brought down many governments in India, and here it is about education" .
For now, the cockroaches aren't going anywhere. The question is whether India's government will listen before the hunger strikes claim more lives.
What do you think? Can the CJP force meaningful reforms? Should Dharmendra Pradhan resign? Share your opinion in the comments.
Follow our coverage for updates on the CJP protests, Sonam Wangchuk's health, and India's ongoing education crisis.
