India's 'cockroach' protest movement keeps heat on Modi

India's youth-led cockroach protest movement is keeping pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government two weeks after demonstrations forced the education minister to resign.

Led by the online Cockroach Janta Party, the protests spread from New Delhi to other cities, widening from anger over exam irregularities into broader frustration over unemployment and Modi's rule.

What is the Cockroach Janta Party movement?

The Cockroach Janta Party is an online youth movement that organised protests across India after irregularities surfaced in government exams. What began as anger over leaked papers grew into a wider challenge over unemployment, limited opportunities for young people and what critics call Modi's increasingly authoritarian style of governance.

Demonstrations are largely over after achieving their key demands. AFP looks at what the protests revealed, and what could come next.

How has Modi's government responded to the protests?

The resignation of the education minister on July 25 marked a rare climbdown for a prime minister who has spent more than a decade cultivating an image of unwavering resolve. Authorities have since tried to woo young voters, and parliament has raised penalties for leaking exam papers. Police have withdrawn cases against protesters in several cities after criticism over excessive use of force.

The protests also exposed a rapidly shifting digital landscape, as demonstrators used social media to spread their message. Modi, a frequent user of X, has turned to Instagram as well, posting his first vertical videos to reach young audiences.

How did authorities use surveillance during the protests?

The demonstrations revealed how authorities are using AI-powered camera technology to monitor and identify protesters. Many women say they have received rape threats and abusive messages online after videos of their participation went viral. An internet shutdown around the main protest site in New Delhi disrupted communication, forcing young people to find new ways to stay in touch.

India ranked second worldwide for internet shutdowns last year, according to monitoring group Access Now. That figure includes localised blackouts imposed during protests, conflict and communal violence.

Why did the protests spread beyond exam issues?

Exam leaks sparked the unrest, but anger quickly spread to deeper frustrations among young Indians over jobs, economic opportunities and a lack of faith in institutions. For many protesters, the prospect of uncertain employment after years of study and highly competitive exams became a symbol of a wider struggle for economic security. That gives the movement potential staying power beyond the original dispute.

Even if the government fixes exam cheating, it cannot easily resolve the broader grievances that brought young people onto the streets.

What influence does the cockroach movement have now?

The protests have left behind a youth movement with millions of followers online, though that does not guarantee lasting political influence. The Cockroach Janta Party has said it will organise a nationwide listening tour to hear young Indians' concerns, while continuing to back protests over exam irregularities. Demonstrations are still taking place in the eastern state of Jharkhand, suggesting the anger that began in the capital has not disappeared.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for a public movement to restore trust and neutrality in public institutions. "The public has become very frustrated and tired of these things. That is why our movement got such massive support," he said. For now, Dipke added, the CJP will function as a pressure group rather than a political party.

Could the protests affect India's youth vote?

The protests could force India's political parties to focus more closely on the needs of young voters. Young Indians make up a huge potential electoral constituency, though turning protest energy into votes is a separate challenge. With nearly three years remaining before the next national polls, both Modi's ruling party and the opposition may try to harness the anger young people have expressed for electoral gain.