The founder of India's viral Cockroach Janta Party arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to lead the country's largest online youth movement into the streets for the first time.
Abhijeet Dipke, 30, flew in from the United States to protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, despite fears among family and friends that he could be arrested on return.
What is the Cockroach Janta Party and what does it want?
The Cockroach Janta Party is India's largest online youth movement, with roughly 22 million Instagram followers since launching in mid-May. It channels youth anger over persistently high unemployment and recurring exam paper leaks that threaten the careers of millions of students. Saturday's protest at Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Dozens of police officers gathered near the protest site, barricading surrounding roads as demonstrators shouted slogans. Police used loudspeakers to direct people to the designated protest area. Movement spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said it was "a peaceful movement for the youth of the nation" and that Dipke was "ready for a long and big day in India's politics."
Why has Modi's government moved against the Cockroach Janta Party?
The government has blocked the movement's X account inside India, a move the Cockroach Janta Party has challenged in a Delhi court. Senior cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju accused the group of seeking followers from arch-enemy Pakistan and the "anti-India gang." Political analysts say the movement's popularity has begun to dent Modi's image despite his party's recent victories in key state elections.
The group's rise comes amid wider public frustration over rising fuel prices and gas shortages linked to the Iran war. The Cockroach Janta Party represents the most significant expression of dissent against Modi's 12-year Hindu nationalist rule in years. Its rapid growth has drawn both government pushback and intense media attention.
What is driving youth discontent in India?
India has nearly 400 million people aged between 15 and 29, and generating non-farm jobs for them remains one of the country's biggest economic challenges despite rapid growth.
The urban youth unemployment rate stood at nearly 14% in April. Many educated young people are also stuck in low-paid or insecure jobs that do not match their qualifications, economists say.
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