Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday thanked Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant while addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, shortly after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet.
Calling the resignation a significant milestone for the student movement, Dipke remarked, “Thanks for calling us cockroaches.” He said the movement would not have taken shape without the controversy surrounding the Chief Justice’s earlier remarks.
“I would like to thank CJI Surya Kant. If he hadn’t called us cockroaches, I wouldn’t have come to India. This movement would not have started,” Dipke told supporters gathered at the protest venue.
Movement traces its origins to Supreme Court remarks
The Cockroach Janta Party said its name and campaign originated from comments made by CJI Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing on May 15 regarding Senior Advocate designation.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice had referred to “youngsters like cockroaches” while discussing employment concerns in the legal profession. The remarks quickly went viral on social media and sparked widespread debate.
The Chief Justice later clarified that his comments were directed at individuals holding fake law degrees rather than unemployed youth in general. He also stated that sections of the media had misrepresented his observations.
From online campaign to nationwide student movement
Following the controversy, Dipke, then based in Boston and previously associated with political communications, launched the Cockroach Janta Party through a satirical social media campaign on May 16.
Initially conceived as an online movement, the campaign rapidly gained traction as public concern over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities intensified. Dipke later returned to India to lead protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The movement consistently demanded accountability over the alleged examination irregularities, with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emerging as its central demand.
Sonam Wangchuk’s support strengthened the campaign
The protest received additional momentum after educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation with an indefinite hunger strike in support of students.
Although Wangchuk ended his fast after receiving written assurances from the Centre on several issues, including consideration of examination reforms and protection for peaceful protesters, the CJP maintained that its protest would continue until the Education Minister stepped down.
Following Pradhan’s resignation, CJP leaders described the development as a victory for students and their sustained campaign.
Pradhan cites students’ future in resignation letter
In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dharmendra Pradhan said his decision was guided by the interests of students and the nation.
He stated that his resignation was intended to ensure that the ongoing situation surrounding student protests did not benefit “anti-national elements” and reiterated his commitment to the country’s youth and education reforms.
The resignation comes after weeks of protests, negotiations and political debate surrounding the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and demands for greater transparency in the examination system.
