Protests in New Delhi See Police Resistance and Activist Involvement
Source reports published 21 Oct 2026, 1:04 am – 10:00 am AEST
Youth-led protests, known as the Cockroach Janta Party, are occurring in New Delhi, India, with demonstrators facing police resistance and utilizing various tactics to maintain momentum. Activists, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, are actively participating in the demonstrations.
What happened
- In New Delhi, India, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has organized protests demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Police have responded with force, deploying batons, tear gas, and pellet-firing shotguns, resulting in injuries and mass detentions.
- Activist Neha Bora, a student leader associated with the All India Students’ Association, has been a prominent figure, actively participating in demonstrations and addressing press conferences.
- Women and LGBTQ+ individuals are also heavily involved, driven by concerns regarding safety and autonomy following incidents of violence.
- A pro-Modi leader burned a cockroach effigy during the Hindu festival of Dussehra, coinciding with the protests.
- Activists face backlash, including attacks and threats, but continue to participate, emphasizing the importance of sustained resistance.
- The Congress party provides support to protesters, offering a safety net regardless of political affiliation.
Original reporting
- Deutsche Welle: Who are the women powering India's youth-led 'Cockroach' protests?
2026-10-20T15:04:25.732000+00:00 - Al Jazeera: Pro-Modi leader burns cockroach effigy to taunt youth protesters
2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00