NEW DELHI – Modi-led government is facing fresh political pressure after Nihang Sikhs joined ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The dramatic arrival, coupled with massive anti-government demonstrations and clashes between protesters and police, intensified movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
#WATCH | Nihangs seen riding on a police van, brandishing swords, at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. pic.twitter.com/iMJQq2FBLu
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) July 22, 2026
With thousands of protesters flocking to Indian capital, it makes biggest youth uprisings against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Carrying traditional swords, they were greeted with loud cheers, folded hands and chants of support as demonstrators welcomed them into the movement. Videos of the emotional reception spread rapidly across social media, adding fresh momentum to the ongoing agitation.
What happened in Connaught Place last night is deeply disturbing and deserves unequivocal condemnation.
Students have every right to protest peacefully in a democracy. At the same time, they must not allow their movement to be hijacked by outside elements with their own agendas.… pic.twitter.com/BueOVtDH9e
— Nikhil Segel (@NikhilSegel) July 21, 2026
Sikh group even clashed with police at barricades in Uttarakhand’s Kulhal area while travelling towards Sri Hemkund Sahib. Authorities and the group remained in a tense standoff for hours before negotiations eased the situation.
The protesters accused Modi led government of failing India’s students and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters also raised slogans calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step down, turning the demonstration into one of the most serious public challenges to his administration in recent years.
Police responded with heavy force after protesters attempted to push through barricades. Tear gas shells were fired and baton charges launched as security personnel tried to disperse the crowd. Several protesters and police officers were reportedly injured in the clashes, while authorities later dismantled protest camps and the main stage at Jantar Mantar. Despite the crackdown, demonstrators refused to leave and continued their sit-in through rain and sweltering summer heat.
At heart of the movement is growing anger over India’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Millions of students prepared for months before allegations of paper leaks forced the cancellation of the medical entrance exam and a fresh test under tight security.
The controversy triggered nationwide outrage, with organisers claiming repeated examination failures have shattered students’ trust in the system. Protest leaders have also linked the crisis to reports of student suicides following the exam controversy.
Cockroach Janta Party Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement is not political party despite its name. It was launched by political communications strategist Abhijeet Dipke, who says the idea started as an online joke before attracting tens of thousands of supporters.
Within weeks, the campaign transformed into a nationwide youth movement, with demonstrations spreading to cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa. The name itself emerged from controversial remarks attributed to Chief Justice Surya Kant, who allegedly compared unemployed youth entering journalism and activism to “cockroaches.”
The protest gained further national attention after renowned engineer and activist Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike in solidarity with students at Jantar Mantar. His removal by authorities and transfer to hospital sparked widespread outrage, prompting CJP leaders to escalate their demands and intensify pressure on the government.
Congress party also staged demonstrations outside Modi’s residence, condemning the police response. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and several Congress lawmakers were detained during the protest before being released later the same day.
Jantar Mantar: Police Use force against Cockroach Janta Party protesters
