The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has escalated its protest by launching a nationwide campaign called 'Pradhan Go Back', demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Founder Abhijeet Dipke made the announcement during a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, calling on students, farmers, and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.
Sonam Wangchuk to join indefinite fast
Dipke revealed that activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk would participate in the campaign at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, beginning an indefinite fast. However, Dipke did not provide further details about the campaign's specific activities.
The CJP, which started as a digital satirical group, has been holding a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20 to protest alleged irregularities in exams and the NEET paper-leak controversy. Dipke criticized Minister Pradhan for not taking responsibility, stating, 'It has been a week and Dharmendra Pradhan has not taken any responsibility for the paper leaks.'
Accusations against Pradhan and PM Modi
Dipke urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure Pradhan's resignation, warning that failure to do so would label Modi as an 'incompetent PM'. He said, 'PM Modi should ensure that Pradhan steps down. He would be considered directly responsible for the deaths of students. If the PM does not take any action, then he is incompetent as the prime minister of India.'
Dipke also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for each family of students who died by suicide. He alleged that students' blood was on Pradhan's hands, calling him a 'real terrorist' for causing student deaths, in response to Pradhan previously labeling CJP as terrorists.
Call for nationwide accountability
The CJP founder emphasized the need for accountability, asking, 'How long will this country function without accountability? What kind of democracy is this? Is it a good thing that no one resigns in this government?' He invited students, parents, teachers, farmer unions, and civil society groups to gather at Jantar Mantar on Sunday.
Regarding the Congress party's planned protest on the same issue, Dipke urged political parties to rise above differences and support the students. When asked if the agitation would end with Pradhan's resignation, Dipke said it was premature to answer, but added that public anger would not subside even if Pradhan stepped down.
Allegations of attacks and police inaction
Dipke alleged that protesters and volunteers at Jantar Mantar had been attacked by hooligans, and accused the police of failing to act despite complaints. He claimed, 'People bringing food for the protesters are being harassed. In one case, they even went to a volunteer's in-laws' house. Those attacking us are roaming free while police say they need court orders. I have doubts that this is all pre-planned.' He demanded that the attackers be booked for attempted murder.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das added that police did not invoke appropriate charges even after a volunteer suffered a serious head injury. On social media, Dipke appealed to parents not to stop their children from joining the protest, saying it was 'about their future'.
