Delhi protests over education reforms flared again after a police crackdown left dozens hurt and drew sharp condemnation from opposition leaders.
Delhi protests over education reforms surged again on Tuesday, a day after police moved against supporters of India’s Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led movement demanding changes to the education system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Thousands gathered once more in the Indian capital after Monday’s march attempt on parliament sparked a major confrontation with police.
The previous day, tens of thousands of young men and women turned out and tried to push toward parliament despite a police ban. Central Delhi saw widespread violence, with police using batons and tear gas, tearing down a stage and temporary tents at the main protest site. Officials said at least 60 protesters were wounded, while police reported that 118 of their personnel were also injured and 70 protesters were detained.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and police have not publicly addressed the use of sticks and tear gas against the crowd. Opposition figures quickly condemned the response. Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader, called the students’ demands legitimate and accused Modi of being the most anti-youth prime minister India has ever had. On Tuesday, he led Congress members, including MPs, in a march toward Modi’s residence to demand answers over what he called the brutal treatment of young protesters.
“Delhi protests over education reforms flared again after a police crackdown left dozens hurt and drew sharp condemnation from opposition leaders.”
The Cockroach Janta Party is not a registered political party, but Monday’s turnout showed it has become a significant street movement. It has been camped for about a month at Jantar Mantar, the Delhi observatory often used for protests. The group drew wider attention after activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk joined on 28 June and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the demands. Police removed Wangchuk from the site on Saturday and took him to hospital, where he is still fasting.
Government engagement came only on Monday, when Health Minister JP Nadda met some CJP leaders. Nadda said the meeting was cordial and asked protesters to end their sit-in and help restore normalcy. The group said the discussion lasted about 10 minutes and brought no firm promise, while one leader dismissed the long wait for the meeting as a waste of time. After internet service was restored, social media filled with videos showing security forces beating protesters, including women, and the CJP returned to the site late Monday saying the protest would continue.
The group says it wants an overhaul of India’s education system and more accountability after alleged exam paper leaks, especially the leak tied to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. Pradhan has rejected calls to resign and described the protesters as the B-team of disruptive elements. Why this matters: the Delhi protests show how an education scandal has grown into a larger test of public anger, police force, and the Modi government’s response.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Delhi protests start and what are protesters demanding?
The Cockroach Janta Party says it wants an overhaul of India’s education system and more accountability after alleged exam paper leaks, especially the leak tied to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It is also demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
What happened during Monday’s protest near parliament?
Thousands tried to push toward parliament despite a police ban, and central Delhi saw widespread violence. Police used batons and tear gas, tore down a stage and temporary tents, and detained 70 protesters.
How many people were injured in the crackdown?
Officials said at least 60 protesters were wounded. Police said 118 of their personnel were also injured.
How did the government respond to the protesters?
Health Minister JP Nadda met some CJP leaders on Monday and asked them to end their sit-in and restore normalcy. Pradhan has rejected calls to resign and called the protesters the B-team of disruptive elements.
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