Thousands of supporters of India's youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) clashed with police in New Delhi on Monday, as the government made its first public outreach to the group's leaders. The confrontation, which saw tear gas and baton charges, marks a critical juncture in a movement that has turned an insult into a rallying cry. Main Developments Police fired tear gas and charged protesters with batons after thousands attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the protest site in central New Delhi. The crowd at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest area about 2km (1.2 miles) from Parliament, included students, professionals and families with young children. Protesters calling themselves “cockroaches” have camped at Jantar Mantar park for the past month, with members of several student groups joining a hunger strike. The movement drew wider attention after police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to hospital on Saturday. Read also: 3 key moments from Keir Starmer's final speech as UK PM Background The Cockroach Janta Party emerged in May after the Supreme Court's chief justice compared some unemployed young people with “cockroaches” during an unrelated hearing. Supporters embraced the remark, turning it into a satirical movement that has attracted millions of followers on social media. The movement has gained strength following repeated leaks of high-stakes entrance examinations for medical colleges and government jobs, which have provoked widespread public anger. Thousands of supporters have also turned out at universities and rallies in other cities. Why It Matters The movement's demands include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms to the examination system and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide after paper leaks. The government's first public outreach to group leaders signals that the CJP's growing influence can no longer be ignored. With millions of social media followers and support spanning multiple cities, the movement represents a rare instance of youth-led political mobilization in India. The satirical framing has allowed it to sidestep traditional party politics while maintaining pressure on the government. What's Next Negotiations between government representatives and CJP leaders could determine whether the protests de-escalate or intensify. The hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk and others remains a flashpoint, with medical authorities monitoring participants' health. Examination reform timelines and the fate of Education Minister Pradhan are likely to be central issues in any dialogue. The movement's ability to sustain momentum beyond the current protest camp will depend on whether concrete concessions emerge.