The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized a large-scale protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, demanding accountability in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a symbolic demonstration, supporters arrived carrying plates (thalis) and spoons (chammachs), a gesture widely seen as a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 appeal for citizens to bang utensils in support of frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Symbolic Protest Draws Attention
Ahead of the demonstration, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke released a video message urging participants to bring plates and spoons to the gathering.
“All the supporters joining tomorrow’s protest at Jantar Mantar should carry a thali and a chammach with them. You know the rest of the story,” Dipke said.
The protest, which began at 1 pm, attracted students and young people from Delhi and neighboring states. Security arrangements were tightened around Jantar Mantar, with CCTV cameras installed to monitor the event.
NEET Paper Leak Remains Central Issue
The primary demand of the protest remains the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities and paper leak controversy.
A re-examination for NEET-UG candidates is scheduled for June 21, adding to the concerns and stress faced by many students across the country.
Dipke argued that students deserve accountability and transparency in the examination process.
“All that students want is accountability for the loss of lives and the hardships caused by these examination failures,” he said.
Criticism Over Telegram Restrictions
The CJP founder also criticized the Centre’s decision to temporarily restrict access to messaging platform Telegram ahead of the NEET retest.
According to Dipke, banning a platform does not address the root cause of examination leaks and security lapses.
He compared the move to “closing a road because it has potholes instead of fixing the actual problem.”
Demand for Compensation to Affected Families
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dipke urged the government to provide ₹1 crore compensation to families of students who allegedly died by suicide amid examination-related stress and controversies.
He stated that several families have suffered emotional and financial hardships due to the uncertainty surrounding competitive examinations.
The letter called for urgent reforms to restore trust in the country’s education system and ensure student welfare.
Growing Presence of the Cockroach Janta Party
Saturday’s event marked the second major protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar this month, following a demonstration held on June 6.
The group has also conducted protests in cities including Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Amritsar, gaining attention on social media for its unconventional style of activism.
Despite its growing popularity online, Dipke clarified that the organization does not intend to contest elections.
“Citizens should not have to enter politics simply to demand their rights,” he said.
Focus on Student Concerns
As the NEET-UG retest approaches, the protest highlights ongoing concerns among students regarding examination integrity, transparency, and mental well-being. The controversy continues to spark debate nationwide, with students, parents, and educators calling for stronger safeguards in the examination system.
