India Youth Protest Leaders Agree to Talks, Keep Stir Alive

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke speaks to the media at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 24, 2026.

Leaders of India’s youth-led “Cockroach” movement will meet government representatives on Friday to seek a resolution to the dispute over alleged examination paper leaks, while continuing nationwide protests, a spokesperson for the group said.

The announcement came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, raising hopes of progress in the standoff that has brought tens of thousands of young protesters to New Delhi demanding accountability and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protests have emerged as one of the biggest youth-led challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since it came to power in 2014. Opposition parties have supported the protesters’ demands and disrupted proceedings during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

Talks between government ministers and leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will take place at a neutral venue, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said.

“We hope the government comes with an open mind and listens to the people who have been on the streets for so long,” Das said, adding that the group would present its demands in detail.

However, he said the protests would continue.

“We are not backing out. Real awakening starts from the grassroots, and that is what we need,” he added.

Protesters Demand Education Minister’s Resignation

The protesters have continued to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing the government of failing to ensure transparency and accountability in the national examination system.

“The protest will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan is removed,” said protester Sudesh Singh at Jantar Mantar, where thousands gathered and raised slogans.

The movement began as an online satire campaign involving a small number of young people but gained nationwide attention after a medical college entrance examination was cancelled in May following allegations of question paper leaks affecting around two million candidates.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament earlier this week despite restrictions and clashed with police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. Further clashes were reported on Wednesday night when more than 10,000 protesters gathered in central Delhi.

Authorities later shut several metro stations, restricted mobile internet services and limited movement in parts of central Delhi, where protesters have been camping.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government would move to amend laws to punish those involved in examination paper leaks.

The protesters rejected the move, saying the focus should be on preventing leaks and reforming the examination system rather than only punishing offenders.

Analysts said the movement reflects growing frustration among India’s youth over repeated examination irregularities and job concerns, creating political pressure for the government ahead of upcoming state elections.