Why have India’s Gen Z protesters called for a march to parliament?

Key Points:

• Tens of thousands of mainly student protesters in New Delhi are marching to India’s Parliament demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid scandals involving exam paper leaks and test cancellations.
• The “cockroach” movement, led by young Indians under the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emerged from outrage over a top judge’s derogatory remarks and ongoing education system failures blamed for student suicides.
• Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on a hunger strike supporting the protests, was forcibly removed by police citing health concerns, sparking accusations of illegal detention and intensifying calls for Modi’s resignation.
• Protesters demand reforms to India’s competitive exam system, compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and view the July 20 march as a pivotal moment for India’s democracy amid heavy police presence.
• Despite government hostility and police crackdowns, the movement continues to grow with broad support from activist groups and political parties, emphasizing peaceful protest and resistance against what they call a decaying political system.