‘Now or never’: Students defy Delhi lockdown to march on India’s parliament
Thousands of students in New Delhi have defied lockdown orders to protest against the Indian government following a major exam scandal. The youth-led movement, known as the Cockroach Janta Party, is demanding accountability and systemic education reforms.
Why it matters
The protest highlights growing youth dissatisfaction with government administration and the integrity of national testing systems in India.
Youth-led protesters answer call of Cockroach Janta Party to demand accountability and sweeping reforms after exam scandal.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Protesters shout slogans outside India's parliament in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of the education minister [Shekhar Yadav/AP Photo] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 After two days of preparations, 18-year-old Anshuka Ruth Das set out early on Monday with a mission: To reach the Jantar Mantar protest site in the heart of India’s capital, New Delhi.
Joined by a group of friends, the student from Gurugram carried placards hidden inside a paper bag demanding sweeping reforms to India’s education system and an end to alleged corruption in national examinations.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in