CJP Supporters Continue Overnight Protest at Jantar Mantar, Demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
Abhijeet Dipke calls on students and parents to join the demonstration over NEET UG paper leak concerns.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued their protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar overnight, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations surrounding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy.
The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, continued beyond the permitted time on Saturday despite Delhi Police announcements asking demonstrators to vacate the venue. Police had granted permission for the protest from 10 AM to 5 PM, but protesters decided to continue their sit-in until their demand was addressed.
Dipke urged students, parents and supporters to join the protest at 9 AM on June 21, coinciding with the NEET UG 2026 re-examination. Protesters raised slogans including “Go Pradhan Go” and demanded accountability over alleged examination irregularities.
During the demonstration, hundreds of young protesters gathered with placards, banners and symbolic cockroach masks. Some participants also brought plates and spoons, using the act as a form of protest while chanting slogans against the Education Minister.
The protest site witnessed heavy security arrangements, including barricades, CCTV monitoring and deployment of police personnel. Officials stated that continuing the demonstration beyond the approved hours was against the conditions of permission and warned organisers of possible legal action.
CJP alleged that police had restricted facilities at the protest site, including access to water and washrooms, though protesters later said facilities were restored.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest and announced that he would begin a hunger strike on June 27 if the Education Minister does not step down. He called for accountability and said that responsibility must be fixed for the issues affecting students.Dipke also demanded financial assistance for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET controversy and said the movement would continue until their concerns were addressed.
The demonstration was organised a day before the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, which is being conducted nationwide after the cancellation of the original exam following allegations of irregularities. The National Testing Agency has announced extensive security measures to ensure a fair and transparent examination process for more than 22 lakh medical aspirants.