The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a significant protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on June 6, 2026, renewing its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, the demonstration highlighted alleged widespread irregularities in major examinations, including the NEET paper leak case and issues with the CBSE's on-screen marking system.
Call for Resignation Amidst Scrutiny
Minister Pradhan has faced increasing public scrutiny following a series of examination-related lapses that have reportedly impacted the future of millions of students. Dipke, upon arriving in Delhi, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Education Minister must resign. Five students have committed suicide."
The CJP conveyed its message through social media, asserting, "Dharmendra Pradhan, resign! We elected the Education Minister and sent him there; he gets his salary from our taxes! During his tenure, the future of millions of youth is shrouded in darkness. Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is going!"
Jantar Mantar Protest Details
Delhi Police granted permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar, allowing the demonstration to proceed from 10 am to 5 pm. The event saw a large turnout, primarily comprising school and college students, alongside young professionals, despite heightened security measures across the capital with over 1,000 police personnel deployed.
Protesters chanted slogans such as "Dharmendra Pradhan must resign" and "Dharmendra Pradhan, resign!" amongst others, reflecting the widespread discontent. Abhijeet Dipke addressed the crowd, encouraging resilience: "The youth of the country will no longer fear; they will fight. Cockroaches don't even fear; they never die either."
A Peaceful, Constitutional Campaign
Ahead of the protest, the CJP circulated clear guidelines, urging participants to maintain a non-violent stance and avoid confrontation. Dipke advocated for a movement rooted in "love and peace," encouraging supporters to bring books and the national flag, and even to offer flowers to police personnel as a "gesture of compassion and gratitude." The campaign was consistently described as a peaceful, constitutional effort to bring about change.