A youth-led movement in India, started as an online joke, has taken to the streets to demand the resignation of the country’s education minister over a scandal-plagued national exam system.

Protests in New Delhi

The movement, called the Cockroach Janta Party, was founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University graduate. Dipke has been leading a crowd of protesters in New Delhi, refusing to leave until the education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigns.

The protests began after allegations of exam paper leaks and technical failures in India’s high-stakes exam system, which has led to student suicides and financial strain on families. The system has been criticized for being unfair and putting too much pressure on students.

Demands for Reform

Dipke and his supporters are demanding reform of the exam system and have been using satirical props and slogans to make their point. They have also been paying tribute to students who have died by suicide due to the pressure of the exams.

The Indian government has responded to the protests by implementing heavy security measures and labeling the movement as a threat to national security. However, Dipke insists that the movement is peaceful and is seeking justice for students.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.