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What began in India as a student protest over a cancelled college entrance exam in May has grown into a wider campaign against corruption, poor job prospects and mismanagement of the education system. The movement is posing a rare challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been in power for more than a decade.
Here’s how it has unfolded:
National medical entrance exam
More than two million students took the exam, known as NEET. The grueling test is the gateway to a coveted spot in India’s medical education system. Students often spend years preparing.
Exam cancelled
The Indian government scrapped the exam and ordered everyone to take it again because of an alleged leak of questions, prompting outrage.
The National Students’ Union of India organized a protest. Some members were detained. Protests were held in other cities in the following days.
“Cockroaches”
India’s chief justice, Surya Kant, said that some unemployed young Indians were like “cockroaches” who complain about the system on social media.
The cockroach party
As a response, Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old graduate of Boston University, started the “Cockroach Janta Party” as a joke.
Within days, some of the C.J.P.’s accounts had more followers on social media than India’s biggest political parties.
Protests over exam leaks continued into early June in several cities including Mumbai, India’s financial capital.
First C.J.P. protest
Mr. Dipke returned to India from the United States to lead the C.J.P.’s first street protest, demanding the resignation of the education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. Hundreds gathered for the peaceful demonstration.
The C.J.P. released a five-point “manifesto,” including compensation for students who were affected by the cancelled exam and other changes to the testing system.
First day of sit-in
C.J.P. supporters began a sit-in at Jantar Mahar, a designated protest site near Parliament in New Delhi, after the government failed to act on the group’s demands.
Protesters have remained at the site around the clock ever since.
Hunger strike
The prominent Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike in solidarity with the protesters.
Mr. Wangchuk called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, when it would be back in session.
PEACEFUL MARCH TO THE PARLIAMENT, 20th JULY
Thanks for all your messages to break my Hunger Strike, but that wouldn't help the 20 students who committed suicide nor will that help protect the mountains of Ladakh or the rivers of India. If you really want to help then do a little… pic.twitter.com/XvQ1CRIlTW
The C.J.P. promoted the march under the slogan “Chalo Sansad,” or “March to Parliament.”
Mr. Wangchuk was moved to a hospital by police against his will.
March to Parliament
Thousands of young people marched and faced a heavy police response. Smaller protests took place in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. Dozens were arrested by the police.
Many have remained camped out at the site despite authorities’ calls for them to disperse.
A defining scene of the protests is caught on video in Mumbai: a young woman blocking a police van, demanding the release of protesters inside.
The C.J.P. said protests had spread to at least 30 cities in India as it called for nationwide demonstrations.
Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, released his first video message about the protests, saying that “nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth” and promising to fast-track punishment for those who spoiled the exam.
Mr. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after 26 days after negotiations with government officials and citing concerns about possible violence.
The C.J.P. celebrated the end of Mr. Wangchuk’s fast but said protests would continue.
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