Political situation in India

“Cockroaches” hunger strike for better education in India

The youth movement “Cockroach Party” in India is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. About ten activists have begun a hunger strike to make the government listen. Among them is the well-known climate activist Sonal Wangchuk.

– If not fasting, what? Riots in the streets? That's what we don't want to do. This is a peaceful way to get our voices to the government, he tells AP.

The movement is also demanding reform of the country's college entrance exams, which many young Indians believe is their only chance for a future. The cockroaches also want the government to compensate families of students who have taken their lives because of the exam results.

Politicians and actors appeal to activist to end strike

The hunger strike of 59-year-old activist Sonam Wangchuk for an education reform in India has created a great stir in the country, reports India Today.

Politicians and Bollywood actors, among others, have appealed to Wangchuk to end the hunger strike, which is in its third week.

According to the youth movement “Cockroach Party” that is running the protest, Wangchuk has lost over eight kilograms since he began the strike.

“We have not heard anything from the government. They have left Sonam Wangchuk to die,” says the movement’s founder Abhijeet Dipke to the AP.

Cockroach Janta Party – this is about the matter

The “Cockroach Party” started last spring when a judge in India’s Supreme Court compared unemployed youth to cockroaches. Since then, the movement has held demonstrations on the streets and outside the parliament in New Delhi.