A large crowd of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where the satirical Cockroach Janta Party was demonstrating and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid allegations of irregularities in recent exams.
The protesters were seen wearing cockroach masks and holding up pamphlets calling for accountability.
This movement began after India’s Chief Justice, Surya Kant, reportedly likened young critics of the government to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a court hearing, sparking outrage among young people.
“It’s about time we own it and come to the streets to show that, in fact, no, we are not lazy, we are here, and we are demanding change,” Arushi, a student who gave only her first name, told DW.Â
“India deserves better administration of crucial exams by the government,” said 20-year-old Sarthak, who also gave only his first name, told Agence France Presse news agency.
Last month, the nationwide medical college entrance exam was scrapped after investigators uncovered a question paper leak.
Indian media reported suicides of teenagers following the fiasco over the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), one of the country’s most competitive exams that is required for admissions into medical colleges.
