‘Televising our revolution’: India’s Gen Z flips Modi’s social media game

Indian youth are using social media platforms, previously dominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, to protest against alleged police brutality during demonstrations. The protests, which began on July 20, 2026, in New Delhi, were sparked by serial examination paper leaks and led to a crackdown where over 100 students were reportedly injured. Teenagers like Avanshika Singh are filming and sharing footage of police actions, including baton charges and the use of pellet guns, on platforms like Instagram. This "televising of their revolution" aims to counter official denials of excess force and has galvanized public opinion, even among Modi supporters. Protesters are demanding the education minister's resignation, assurances against criminal cases for demonstrators, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to establish fast-track courts to punish corrupt officials responsible for leaking examination papers, in an effort to quell widespread youth protests. The "Cockroach" movement, named satirically after a comment by India's top judge, is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to the education system. Protests have occurred in Delhi, with thousands demonstrating despite police intervention, and solidarity actions are taking place in other cities. The movement has rejected Modi's offer of faster justice, insisting on Pradhan's resignation and public dialogue with the government. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has also called for Modi to apologize for the state of the education system, highlighting a lack of convictions in past exam leak cases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to establish fast-track courts to swiftly punish individuals involved in examination paper leaks. This announcement comes in response to growing youth-led protests in New Delhi, organized by the satirical online movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and structural reforms to the education system, citing irregularities in national medical school entrance exams. The protests have led to a crackdown by security forces. The CJP's founding president claims outside agitators are attempting to discredit the demonstration by instigating violence.

Thousands of protesters, identifying with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), marched in Delhi demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over exam scandals. Police responded with tear gas and batons, and authorities suspended mobile internet. Despite the crackdown, protesters documented their experiences through social media, creating reels and memes. These posts captured fear, violence, and defiance, often employing sardonic humor. The CJP movement, which began with exam irregularities, broadened into a campaign for government accountability. Protesters shared videos of their preparations, the clashes with police, and the aftermath, using humor as a way to process the events and refuse to let the violence have the last word.

Thousands of students in New Delhi marched on parliament on July 20, 2026, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over widespread exam paper leaks and grading errors that have affected millions and led to student suicides. Police used tear gas and other measures, resulting in over 100 students being injured. Despite the crackdown, student protesters, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), vowed to continue their resistance. The CJP leader stated they would not back down until their demands are met. The protests have been ongoing for nearly a month, with some students on a hunger strike. The government has filed criminal cases against protesters, while critics accuse Prime Minister Modi of autocratic behavior due to his administration's response.

Thousands of protesters, primarily young people, continued demonstrations in Delhi on Tuesday demanding education reforms and the resignation of the education minister. The protests, organized by the youth-led Cockroach Janta party (CJP), escalated on Monday when Delhi police reportedly used batons and teargas against the crowd, resulting in injuries. Protesters, some wearing protective gear, expressed determination to continue their dissent despite the police action. The movement, initially focused on exam paper leaks, has broadened into a larger expression of discontent against the ruling government, with some participants seeing it as a moment for India's youth to find their political voice. The CJP vows to persist until the government addresses their demands.

Thousands of protesters, supporters of India's youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) seeking education reforms, gathered in Delhi a day after a violent police crackdown. The CJP movement, inspired by a chief justice's remark, has grown into a significant public dissent against the government. On Monday, police used batons and tear gas against protesters attempting to march on parliament, resulting in at least 60 injured protesters and 118 injured police officers, with 70 protesters detained. Opposition leaders condemned the violence, with Rahul Gandhi calling for the Prime Minister and Home Minister to resign. While Health Minister JP Nadda met with some CJP leaders, the protesters' stance hardened after witnessing the extent of the violence upon internet restoration.

Indian police detained Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The detention occurred as Gandhi was protesting outside the residence of the Prime Minister. The article does not provide further details regarding the specific reasons for the protest or the duration of the detention.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was detained by police on Tuesday evening during a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi. Gandhi and other opposition leaders were protesting the government's response to ongoing student-led demonstrations, known as the "Cockroach" protests, which are demanding educational reform and government accountability. Gandhi called for the resignation of Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing them of "destroying the future of India's youth." Other opposition figures, including Priyanka Gandhi, were also arrested. The detentions occurred as the youth-driven protests continued for a second day.

Thousands of youth-led protesters, answering a call from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), marched on India's parliament in New Delhi on July 20, 2026. The demonstrators demanded accountability and sweeping reforms to the education system following a national examination scandal that led to alleged suicides and forced retests. The CJP, a new youth movement that gained millions of social media followers, also called for the resignation of the Education Minister. Authorities imposed extensive security measures, shutting down metro stations and restricting internet access, and police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike in solidarity, was also forcibly removed from the protest site.

Tens of thousands of young people, largely students and Gen Z, marched in Delhi demanding the resignation of India's education minister. The protest, organized by the youth-led movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in years. Protesters cited exam leaks, particularly of the medical entrance exam, and wider frustrations over the education system and job opportunities as reasons for their anger. Despite police denying permission for the march, imposing bans, and using force, the turnout was significant. The CJP's core demand is the education minister's resignation due to the exam chaos, which has been linked to student suicides. The government, after initially dismissing the protesters, invited CJP spokespeople for talks.

Thousands of young people, primarily associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), are protesting in Delhi, demanding significant changes to India's education system and the resignation of the Education Minister. The movement, which began satirically online, gained momentum after a well-known activist, Sonam Wangchuk, was forcibly hospitalized during a hunger strike in support of the CJP. Protesters are particularly angered by alleged leaks and cancellations of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which led to distress and suicides among students. The CJP's name is a response to a controversial remark by the Chief Justice comparing unemployed youth to "cockroaches." The protests, which have drawn support from opposition politicians, represent a significant youth-led challenge to the government.

Thousands of people participated in a march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party in New Delhi. During the demonstration, police forces used batons to disperse the protesters. The article does not provide information regarding the specific reasons for the march or the exact date it occurred. The central event described is the police action against the party's march.

Gen Z protesters in India, organized under the satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP), are planning a march to Parliament in New Delhi. This action follows the forcible removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a 20-day hunger strike in solidarity with the movement. The CJP, primarily composed of young Indians, is protesting against frequent examination paper leaks, technical glitches, and cancelled tests that have caused widespread outrage and student suicides. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement gained traction after a judge's comment likening critics to "cockroaches," prompting a satirical response that evolved into a significant youth-led protest demanding reforms to the examination system and compensation for affected families.

An Indian court has rejected a petition to release activist Sonam Wangchuk from a New Delhi hospital, where he was taken by police after a 20-day hunger strike. Wangchuk's wife claims his hospitalization is "illegal detention" and that the hospital refuses to discharge him or allow him to move to a private facility. Judges upheld the government's decision, stating doctors administered only oral fluids and supplements with Wangchuk's consent, and that no force was being used. Police seized the 59-year-old activist from a protest site at Jantar Mantar and took him to Safdarjung Hospital. His wife expressed a loss of faith in the hospital, citing restricted movement due to police presence and calling it "illegal detention." Another hearing is scheduled for Friday.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) emerged in India in mid-May 2026, gaining significant online traction and staging protests. The movement was sparked by remarks from Chief Justice Surya Kant, who referred to unemployed youth as "cockroaches." The CJP has organized demonstrations, including a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar observatory, demanding accountability for university entrance exam leaks and broader failures in the examination system. Protesters plan to march on Parliament, with some calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation. The CJP's rise reflects widespread youth frustration over unemployment, exam irregularities, and economic precarity, particularly as traditional democratic channels appear vulnerable. The article suggests the CJP has unnerved those in power by naming a prevalent societal sentiment of humiliation and blocked aspirations.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to the hospital against his will on Saturday in Delhi after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his hunger strike. Wangchuk, 59, began fasting on June 28 to support the India’s youth Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in their demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The CJP is protesting exam paper leaks that occurred in May and impacted millions of students. Wangchuk's protest has gained significant traction online and represents a public challenge to the current government.

Indian police forcibly hospitalized prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday from the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi. Wangchuk, 59, had been on a 20-day hunger strike to protest alleged corruption and mismanagement in India's exam system. Police stated they acted on High Court orders and expert medical advice due to his deteriorating health. A "slight commotion" occurred when demonstrators attempted to prevent his removal. Wangchuk, an engineer known for his work in the Himalayas, was a focal point for a movement demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. The protest movement, calling itself the Cockroach Janta Party, gained traction after Wangchuk began his fast.

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his 20-day hunger strike in Delhi and taken to a hospital. The 59-year-old was protesting in support of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) call for educational reforms and had planned a march to parliament on Monday. Police stated Wangchuk was moved in compliance with a court order and based on his health conditions and medical advice. Videos showed police and paramilitary personnel intervening at the protest site, with Wangchuk being covered and removed before an ambulance departed. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who was with Wangchuk, was not informed of his whereabouts. Wangchuk had been consuming only salt and water and had lost over 9kg.