Physics Wallah co-founder and CEO Alakh Pandey has voiced his strong support for the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The agitation, primarily fueled by the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, has escalated into a wider movement demanding accountability and reforms within India's education system.
In a video shared from the protest site, Pandey called upon the central government to directly engage with the protesting students. He emphasized that the widespread anger goes beyond the specifics of the NEET examination, reflecting deep-seated frustration with the entire educational and recruitment framework in the country.
Pandey Addresses Wider Education System Issues
Pandey's intervention comes amidst renewed calls from the CJP for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the paper leak controversy. The protest saw thousands gather at Jantar Mantar on July 20, leading to police action that Pandey claimed injured several peaceful demonstrators.
“On July 20th, the students of India held a historic protest. And this was the students' anger against the entire education system. This wasn't just about NEET,” Pandey stated in his video message. He questioned the government's reluctance to communicate with the students, asserting, “Why doesn’t the government talk to these children? They are, after all, the children of our own country. Please come and speak with them just once. At least listen to their problems; it is out of sheer helplessness that they have taken to the streets today.”
Support Extends Beyond NEET
Pandey's comments also addressed the tragic suicides reported in the wake of the NEET paper leak, broadening his appeal to encompass systemic issues across various examinations and institutions. “It’s not just about NEET—it's about IIT, CBSE, SSC, education, recruitment... it's about everything that is being discussed here,” he explained. He pledged full support to the families of students who died by suicide, offering to provide complete education to their children.
His public backing followed earlier criticism from the Cockroach Janta Party, which had urged students to boycott teachers not supporting their cause. Pandey's video appears to be a direct response, solidifying his stance with the student community.
Public Transport Disrupted Amidst Protests
The large-scale protest also impacted daily life in central Delhi, particularly public transportation. On Thursday morning, 16 Delhi Metro stations across the Blue, Yellow, and Violet lines were temporarily shut down for security reasons. While trains continued to run, entry and exit gates at affected stations were barricaded, with police deployed on platforms. Interchange facilities remained operational at key hubs like Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat, mitigating some of the disruption for commuters.