Protest Continues for Second Day
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration, which began on Saturday, saw supporters carrying thalis and chanting slogans. In a social media post, CJP stated, "With thalis in hand, cockroaches remain at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of the incompetent education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. We will not leave until he resigns."
Founder Calls for Support
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged more people to join the agitation, which focuses on alleged examination irregularities. He appealed to NEET re-exam candidates to join after their exams. "We are holding the fort but without your support this movement won't be successful," Dipke said.
Police Restrictions and Venue Issues
The protest continued despite Delhi Police stating that permission had expired at 5 pm on Saturday. Dipke requested an alternative venue, saying the sit-in would continue at Jantar Mantar until then. He also appealed to police not to block access, emphasizing that demonstrators were peacefully seeking justice for students who died by suicide. Dipke claimed water supply to public washrooms had been disrupted since Saturday night and urged restoration of basic facilities.
Overnight Sit-In and Facilities
Protesters alleged that lights were switched off and access to water, food, and washrooms was restricted. Later, drinking water access and lights were restored. Police warned that continuing beyond permitted hours violated conditions and could invite legal action, but demonstrators remained, turning the gathering into an overnight sit-in. Supporters raised slogans through the night, with Dipke addressing the crowd and calling for more participants.
Demands and Hunger Strike Announcement
Dipke maintained the agitation would remain peaceful and reiterated willingness to hold talks if accountability was fixed and the minister resigned. Among demands is a compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of students who died by suicide after the paper leak controversy. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest, announced he would begin a hunger strike on June 27 if Pradhan did not step down.
Security and Previous Protests
The protest began on Saturday with heavy security, including barricades, CCTV surveillance, and police with body cameras. Hundreds gathered after Dipke's call to bring "thali and chammach," banging plates and spoons while demanding Pradhan's resignation. This is the second CJP protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged repeated paper leaks and demands for government accountability.
