The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that gained prominence online, held its first on-ground mobilisation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday, drawing hundreds of participants, including school and college students.
Protesters raised several demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Many attendees wore cockroach masks and carried flowers as they chanted slogans such as “Dharmendra Pradhan Istifa Do” and “We asked for ‘Make in India’, you gave us ‘Leak in India’.”
The demonstration was permitted by Delhi Police after officials interacted with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke following his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport from the United States.
Ahead of the protest, Dipke appealed to supporters to maintain discipline and ensure the event remained peaceful, even as security was tightened across the national capital.
The CJP emerged as an online youth movement demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, including NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC exams. The campaign has gained significant traction on social media in recent weeks.
Delhi Police intensified security arrangements ahead of the protest, deploying additional personnel at sensitive locations, including the airport, major railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and border entry points.
According to PTI, multiple layers of barricades were erected around the airport precinct, while vehicle-checking drives were stepped up at border crossings and on key routes leading to central Delhi.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has expressed support for the movement, reiterated that he would undertake a six-week fast if Dipke were arrested. Wangchuk also urged protesters to remain peaceful, cooperate with authorities and carry only essential items such as water bottles and mobile phones, while encouraging them to bring flowers as a symbol of non-violence.
In Maharashtra, security has been strengthened at Dipke’s residence in the Waluj MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, although his parents are not currently staying there. Officials said a larger police contingent has now been deployed at the residence as a precautionary measure.
