Climate and education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the thousands who gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, June 6, as part of the protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party. The group, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, demanded that Education Minister Dharmenda Pradhan step down over what it calls systemic failures in the country’s examination systems.
Earlier, Wangchuk had said that he would engage in a 6-week fast if any of the members of the CJP or Dipke were arrested during the protest. He had also described himself as an “honorary cockroach.”
At the gathering, Wangchuk thanked the government for allowing the peaceful protest. He showed up carrying a rose as instructed by the CJP’s guidelines on the protest.
The 59-year-old activist, who hails from Ladakh, was held in detention for six months after he was arrested during deadly protests while demanding autonomy for the region.
In an earlier post on X, he had warned CJP members to be “prepared for the worst,” later clarifying that he referred to possible arrests.
He also said, “If not us, who? If not now, when? I will be joining the CJP members in Delhi on 6th June if nothing changes by 5th June. Any self-respecting Minister should resign if things go so wrong... Not to mention the effect on millions of young lives and, in fact, the future of India,”
In an earlier video, he also said that his concerns went beyond the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, saying, “Your reasons are the NEET and CBSE exams, but for me, it is a bigger issue. For the past four decades, I have tried to improve education in government schools in remote areas. When I don’t see anything changing, I feel disappointed, and I feel the need to do something,” he said.
Other political leaders also joined the protests.
CPI (ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya joined the protest in solidarity and said that the youth are angry with the government's failure and the systemic destruction of public education. He also demanded that the education minister resign.
The protests remained peaceful throughout, with organisers repeatedly urging participants to maintain discipline and follow democratic methods.
Security was also tight in the national capital with more than 1000 police personnel deployed at the site.
Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke also warned that there would be nationwide protests if the Union education minister doesn't resign by today.
He said that his protest would be organised across several cities in the next week and also announced plans for another demonstration at the Jantar Mantar next Saturday.
The party had issued a list of guidelines that detailed do's and don'ts ahead of the protest.
The CJP urged participants to:
1. Carry the national flag and a book as symbols of its commitment to the right to education and equal opportunities for all.
2. The organisation encouraged attendees to responsibly document the protest while ensuring it remains peaceful.
3. Participants were advised to immediately inform the police if they witnessed any disruptive or unlawful behaviour.
4. The CJP also asked supporters to come prepared for weather conditions, stay hydrated, and prioritise their health and safety.
5. People were encouraged to join the gathering with friends and fellow citizens while maintaining discipline and respecting public order.
