A youth movement that began online only weeks ago is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about political phenomena in India.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a Gen Z-driven group founded by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, staged its first public protest in New Delhi on Saturday, demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Dipke, who returned to India after spending two years in the United States, led supporters through the capital as demonstrators voiced anger over youth unemployment and repeated examination paper leaks that have affected millions of students.
According to Dipke, friends and family warned him he could face arrest after returning to India to lead the protests.
Since its launch in mid-May, the movement has gained millions of followers across social media platforms, attracting young Indians frustrated by what they describe as shrinking opportunities despite the country’s strong economic growth.
The group’s unusual name and internet-driven style have helped it connect with younger voters, many of whom feel disconnected from traditional political parties.
Its rise comes at a sensitive moment for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose government has been in power for 12 years and has often highlighted India’s economic expansion as one of its biggest achievements.
For many young people, however, employment remains a major concern.
India is home to nearly 400 million people between the ages of 15 and 29, making it one of the world’s largest youth populations. While the economy continues to grow, the creation of stable, non-agricultural jobs has struggled to keep pace with demand.
Official figures showed urban youth unemployment stood at about 14 percent in April, leaving many graduates competing for a limited number of positions.
Examination scandals have further fueled public anger. Several major recruitment and entrance exams have faced allegations of leaked papers and irregularities in recent years, creating uncertainty for students who spend years preparing for highly competitive tests.
CJP supporters argue that these issues are not isolated incidents but signs of deeper problems facing young Indians.
Saturday’s demonstration marked the group’s first attempt to transform its online popularity into a physical political movement.
While it remains unclear whether the Cockroach Janta Party can sustain its momentum or evolve into a broader political force, its rapid growth has highlighted the frustrations of a generation increasingly willing to challenge established institutions and demand answers from those in power.
For now, the movement’s message is centered on two issues that resonate across India’s youth population: jobs and opportunity.
