'Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi istifa do': Cockroach Janta Party protests at Jantar Mantar over NEET, CBSE irregularities

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and PM Modi over the NEET 2026 paper leak and alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

Among the slogans raised were, "Dharmendra Pradhan Istifa do", "PM Modi Istifa do", "NTA band karo" and "shame shame Narendra Modi". A poster read, "We asked for 'Make in India', you gave us 'Leak in India'."


The demonstration was led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who travelled from Boston in the United States to participate in the protest. On his arrival in New Delhi, Dipke was seen carrying a copy of Dr BR Ambedkar's autobiography.



Ahead of the protest, the party announced its plans on social media. In a post on X, it said, "With the full backing of the Constitution of India, cockroaches will begin our protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation."

Later, the party said Delhi Police had granted permission for the demonstration. "Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar. We can now assemble directly at Jantar Mantar," the post said, adding, "Cockroaches aa rahe hain, Dharmendra Pradhan jaa rahe hain."

According to an official order issued by the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi District, Delhi Police allowed the protest to be held from 10 am to 5 pm. The permission was granted as a one-time exemption in line with Supreme Court guidelines and related civil appeals.

The protest comes at a time when concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations remain high. NEET-UG 2026 has been rescheduled for June 21 following disruptions linked to paper leaks and administrative lapses. Meanwhile, CBSE is facing major irregularities in its Class XII results linked to flaws in the On-Screen Marking (OSM) portal and tender process.

Student groups have also organised protests in Delhi and other parts of the country, demanding accountability over repeated examination controversies. Earlier, several protesters were detained outside the Ministry of Education.

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