Tens of thousands of students, parents, and professionals turned Delhi’s streets into a sea of flags and placards on Monday, defying a police ban to march toward Parliament. The demonstration, led by the youth movement calling itself the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam paper leaks.
The protest unfolded at Jantar Mantar, a historic 300-year-old observatory that has long served as Delhi’s designated protest site, before demonstrators pushed toward heavily barricaded roads leading to Parliament.
Table of Contents
Delhi CJP: Key Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Movement Name | Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) |
| Founder | Abhijeet Dipke |
| Core Demand | Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan |
| Trigger | Alleged NEET exam paper leaks |
| Protest Site | Jantar Mantar, New Delhi |
| Reported Injuries | At least 10 treated on-site |
What’s Fueling the Anger
The movement traces its name to a remark by India’s chief justice, who compared unemployed young people to “cockroaches” during a court hearing — a comment later withdrawn, but not before organizers turned it into a rallying symbol. What began as outrage over exam irregularities has since widened into a broader protest over jobs, transparency, and accountability, drawing comparisons to some of the most visible public pushback against the current government in years.
Momentum built further over the weekend after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalized on the 21st day of a hunger strike supporting the cause — a fast his wife says continues even now.
How Monday Unfolded
Police sealed every road leading to Parliament, deploying barricades and paramilitary personnel as protesters attempted to break through in smaller groups. Baton charges led to injuries on both sides, with volunteer medics treating head wounds and at least one suspected broken leg. Mobile internet was also suspended in parts of central Delhi.
By afternoon, CJP representatives met briefly with Health Minister JP Nadda, submitting a list of demands — though the meeting did little to ease tensions, with thousands remaining camped at Jantar Mantar into the evening.
For more ground reports and breaking updates from India and beyond, follow our continuing coverage on Technosports.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Cockroach Janta Party protesting?
They’re demanding the resignation of India’s education minister over alleged NEET exam paper leaks.
Q2: Where did the Delhi protest take place?
It began at Jantar Mantar before demonstrators tried marching toward Parliament and were blocked by police barricades.
