Abhijeet Dipke Leads Overnight Jantar Mantar Protest; Pressure Mounts on Dharmendra Pradhan Amid NEET Row
The protest led by Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), intensified at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, with demonstrators continuing their sit-in late into the night and renewing demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET and examination irregularities. Dipke announced that the agitation would continue until the minister steps down, describing the movement as a fight for accountability in India’s education system.
Protest Continues Despite Police Refusal
The demonstration marked the second major CJP protest at Jantar Mantar this month. While Delhi Police declined to extend permission for the gathering and directed protesters to vacate the site, supporters remained present through the evening, insisting that their movement would continue peacefully. Authorities reportedly termed any extension of the protest “illegal,” but organizers maintained their resolve.
Dipke also claimed that police action against him could be imminent, urging supporters—who identify themselves as “cockroaches”—to remain non-violent and continue the campaign even if arrests occur.
NEET Controversy Fuels Anger
The protest is centered on allegations of examination mismanagement, paper leaks, and broader concerns regarding transparency in competitive examinations, particularly NEET. Demonstrators carried placards, raised slogans, and used symbolic protests, including banging plates and spoons, to amplify their demands for accountability.
Dipke has repeatedly called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that repeated examination controversies have undermined the confidence of millions of students and their families.
Call to Delhiites
As the sit-in entered the night, Dipke appealed to residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region to join Sunday’s protest in larger numbers. Through social media and public statements, CJP organizers urged supporters to bring national flags, books, plates, and spoons as symbols of democratic participation and peaceful dissent.
The movement, which began as a satirical online campaign, has rapidly evolved into a significant youth-led protest platform, attracting millions of followers across social media and drawing attention from national and international media.
Growing Political Attention
The Jantar Mantar protests have become a focal point for student anger over employment, education reforms, and examination governance. Earlier demonstrations organized by CJP drew hundreds of participants and support from public figures, transforming what began as an internet movement into a visible street campaign.
With protesters vowing not to retreat and authorities refusing permission for an extended demonstration, the standoff has added fresh political pressure on the government and intensified debate surrounding the handling of examination-related controversies.
Key Highlights
- Abhijeet Dipke led an overnight sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar.
- Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Delhi Police refused to extend permission for the protest.
- CJP supporters continued demonstrations late into Saturday night.
- Dipke appealed to Delhiites to join Sunday’s agitation in larger numbers.
