India tightens security ahead of ‘Cockroach Party’ protest

Indian police tightened security in New Delhi on Saturday ahead of a protest by the satirical “Cockroach People’s Party”, over alleged irregularities in major examinations. The movement emerged after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly likened young people who criticised the government to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a court hearing, sparking outrage among the youth. Kant later said his comments were taken out of context.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived in the Indian capital from the United States on Saturday morning, after earlier announcing plans to seek police permission for a peaceful protest. Dipke has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has faced criticism over the irregularities, including paper leaks and technical glitches. But its Instagram handle, still online in India, has more than 22 million followers — more than double the BJP’s nine million followers on the same site, as well as the main opposition Congress Party’s 13 million followers. On Saturday, security was heightened at the airport as well as the Jantar Mantar protest site, with steel barricades set up at key points.