The Delhi Police have granted permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday after officials interacted with the outfit’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport from the United States.
The youth-led movement has called for a demonstration demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Ahead of the protest, Dipke appealed to supporters to maintain discipline and ensure the gathering remains peaceful, even as police stepped up security measures across the national capital.
In a post on X, Dipke urged participants to carry a book and the national flag, while encouraging them to offer flowers to police personnel as a “gesture of compassion and gratitude.”
“Landed. Looking forward to meeting you all at Jantar Mantar. Do not forget to carry a book and our Tiranga! Offer flowers to policemen as a gesture of compassion & gratitude. We have to lead this movement with love and peace!” he wrote.
The protest marks the first on-ground mobilisation by the CJP, which 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 have deployed more than 1,000 additional personnel in sensitive areas, including the airport and key border entry points. Authorities had earlier stated that they had not received a formal request from the CJP regarding the proposed demonstration and became aware of the plans largely through social media posts and online messages.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has expressed support for the protest, said he would undertake a six-week fast if Dipke were arrested. Wangchuk also urged participants 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.
