India's 'Cockroach' Protest Movement Gains Momentum Nationwide

Thousands of protesters have continued to rally across India as the "Cockroach" movement enters a new phase, with demonstrations taking place in New Delhi and several other cities. The movement was sparked by allegations that question papers for major competitive examinations, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), were leaked before students sat the exams, raising concerns about fairness in a system that determines admission to medical colleges and other higher education institutions. Protesters say the controversy has exposed long-standing weaknesses in India's education system and eroded confidence in the integrity of public examinations.

Although the alleged exam leaks ignited the protests, the movement has expanded to encompass wider grievances affecting India's youth. Demonstrators have linked the examination scandal to broader frustrations over high youth unemployment, limited opportunities for graduates, delays in public sector recruitment, corruption and what they describe as inadequate government accountability. Student groups, young professionals and opposition supporters have joined the demonstrations, while organizers have called for reforms to the examination process, stronger action against exam fraud and political accountability, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Authorities have deployed additional security in parts of the capital, and clashes between police and protesters have occurred during some demonstrations.