On Saturday, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) held its first major protest in India at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Students, parents and education activists from all over the country were caught up in the protest.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke posted a clip from the protest site, with numerous supporters. In writing the clip to social media, Dipke wrote “They said cockroaches will never come on the ground...,” addressing sceptics who questioned what the movement's base was like.

The protest was arranged in an effort to request the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a probe into the NEET paper leak as well as alleged irregularities in CBSE Class 12 results. Sonam Wangchuk, a social activist, was among the demonstrators to have joined the demonstration, which gave further momentum to the movement.

Dipke, however, who arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day from the United States, warned that if Pradhan does not step down by 5 PM, a nationwide agitation could be triggered.

The Cockroach Janata Party became a satirical political movement last month following comments of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing in which some individuals were described as "cockroaches" and "parasites."

The event involved students, test-taking individuals, and worried parents expressing dissatisfaction with the current education system. While some online users said the turnout was lower than anticipated, others posted photographs of a large turnout at the venue.

CJP's Key Demands

Not only is the CJP seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation the government needs to face accountability, the CJP is also pressing government to promote more accountability in education system before the new digitalisation plans are implemented.

While the digital revolution took over higher education as well, protesters said that exam leaks, unfair practices, and a lack of transparency are problems that students are still facing.

Participants also flagged the rising mental anguish students are experiencing due to competing exams and the lack of accountability for educational injustices. The movement has been advocating for fair tests, open evaluation systems and a better safeguard of students' rights.

Six People Detained During Protest

Six were reportedly held by the police at Jantar Mantar as part of a countermeasure to the possibility of a fighting between the movement's supporters and detractors.

Security was kept tight at all times during the protest with more than 1,000 police forces mobilising to New Delhi and other sites of threat to protect the population from law and order.