Negotiations between the Indian government and leaders of the Cockroach Party remain stalled after protesters reaffirmed their main demand that the Prime Minister dismiss the Education Minister, while the opposition fully supports and pressures the government in parliament.
On 24 July 2026, international news agencies reported that talks between the Indian government and leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-driven movement demanding educational reform, failed to reach a conclusion after over two hours of discussion. Both sides agreed to resume talks again on Saturday.
The meeting included senior government ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh representing the government side, while protesters insisted on their primary demand: that Dharmendra Pradhan, party leader and Education Minister, resign or be removed from the cabinet.
Ashutosh Ranka, spokesperson for the CJP, stated clearly to the government that no offers would be accepted unless the Education Minister was removed. J.P. Nadda said the government has heard the protesters' demands and will respond officially in the next negotiation session.
Meanwhile, protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi continue after clashes earlier this week when police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters attempting to march to parliament, resulting in many injuries.
The protests originated from public outrage over exam corruption, especially the leak of medical entrance exams that forced millions of candidates to retake tests, along with problems in the online high school exam system. However, the movement has broadened to include demands for government action on unemployment, youth opportunities, and criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increasingly centralized governance. This represents one of the most significant political challenges since Modi’s reelection in 2024.
Source: BBC