‘Now or never’: Students defy Delhi lockdown to march on India’s parliament

Key Points:

• Thousands of young protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), marched to India’s parliament demanding reforms in the education system and accountability following a major exam paper leak scandal affecting medical entrance tests.
• The scandal, involving the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, forced millions of students to retake exams amid allegations of corruption, sparking nationwide outrage and student suicides, which fueled the protests.
• Authorities imposed heavy security in New Delhi, including roadblocks and internet restrictions, and police used force to disperse demonstrators, resulting in injuries and arrests.
• The movement, initially a social media parody, rapidly gained millions of followers and has pressured the government to engage in talks, though analysts warn a quick resolution is unlikely due to the protest’s leaderless and expanding nature.
• Protesters view the movement as a critical moment for demanding accountability from the government, highlighting broader issues of unemployment, social inequality, and economic distress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.