Gen Z showed up with placards, memes, and a demand that won’t log off: the Education Minister must resign. From Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to university gates in Dhaka, young protesters led by the viral Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) turned frustration over exam failures into a nationwide call for accountability Whs happening today At Jantar Mantar, near Parliament, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the May paper leaks that affected millions of students. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, 30, said Wangchuk has already lost 8.5 kg and his health “continues to deteriorate”. “Sonam sir is asking us to keep preparing for the march to parliament on 20th July,” Dipke told reporters. The protest is being framed as a rare show of youth defiance in PM Narendra Modi’s 12-year tenure. Protesters wore cockroach masks, distributed at the venue, and chanted slogans demanding the minister take “moral responsibility for ruining the future of over one crore students”. Why Gen Z is angry The CJP, which exploded to 22 million Instagram followers in days after it started in May, says the demand is about more than one exam. They cite repeated irregularities — NEET paper leaks, CBSE marking errors, and recruitment test lapses. “Until this education minister is there, we will not be able to improve the education system of this country,” CJP spokesperson said. In Bangladesh too, students are on the streets with the same demand. HSC candidates are protesting against Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon for holding exams during floods and for alleged question paper errors. The movement even spawned a satirical ‘Broiler Chicken Party’ after a leaked audio clip. The vibe on ground It’s not a traditional political rally. It’s Gen Z: Instagram-first, satire-heavy, and peaceful by design. “We are pro-youth, pro-education, pro-Constitution and pro-India,” organizers said. Dipke told the crowd: “The warning to the Modi government is simple: get the education minister to resign. Or we will not leave from here”. Speakers included actor Prakash Raj, who asked: “Our Prime Minister… has studied entire political science… Then why are you silent, educated Prime Minister?”. He added he wished Wangchuk were the Education Minister instead. A protester in Delhi put it bluntly: “I followed them on Instagram for fun. But there is a chance that we can actually get the minister to resign”. What’s next CJP has warned of expanding the agitation to multiple states and cities if Pradhan doesn’t step down. They’ve already held protests in Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. The government has not officially responded to the latest calls for resignation. For India’s largest Gen Z cohort, this isn’t just about one minister. It’s about trust in exams, jobs, and the future. As one CJP leader said: “The time has come to reset our education system, and we have started that reset today”. Post navigation SC Directs Separate Space For Muslims Near Bhojshala For Friday Prayers, Calls Matter “Sensitive”
