New Delhi: Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the online youth movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), criticised the government on Saturday for allegedly focusing on the group’s social media activity instead of addressing its demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests.
Speaking at a protest gathering at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Dipke addressed hundreds of young demonstrators who assembled under heavy security arrangements, according to PTI.
“My friends, this is a long struggle. It has been a month since we started demanding Pradhan’s resignation on social media, but these individuals are so shameless that instead of taking action, they have been focused on other distractions, like hacking our accounts and getting our posts deleted.”
You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space.
The crowd responded with loud slogans and applause as Dipke spoke about the movement’s campaign for accountability in competitive examinations and recruitment processes.
Sonam Wangchuk Backs the Movement
Dipke announced that activist Sonam Wangchuk would soon join the protest and thanked him for supporting the campaign. Wangchuk has publicly endorsed the movement and said he would undertake a six-week fast if Dipke were arrested.
“Prepared to Sacrifice My Freedom”
Recalling his arrival in Delhi earlier in the day, Dipke described feeling as though he was entering a moment of personal risk.
“I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause,”
He also accused many public figures of compromising their principles out of fear of imprisonment, while praising students and young people for continuing to resist pressure.
“Lekin is desh ka chatra, yuva nahi bika hai (The youth and students of this country have not sold themselves),”
Youth-Led Protest at Jantar Mantar
The demonstration drew a large turnout of school and college students, young professionals, and families. Some participants wore cockroach masks and carried flowers, while others waved the national flag and held placards demanding transparency in examinations such as NEET, CBSE, CUET, and SSC.
Protesters repeatedly called for accountability over alleged exam irregularities and demanded the resignation of the education minister.
Appeal for a Peaceful Demonstration
Ahead of the protest, Dipke urged supporters to remain disciplined and avoid confrontation with authorities. In a post on X, he encouraged participants to bring a book and the national flag, and to offer flowers to police personnel as a “gesture of compassion and gratitude.”
He emphasised that the movement should be guided by “love and peace.”
Heavy Security Across Delhi
Security was tightened across the national capital before the demonstration. Police officials said additional personnel were deployed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, border entry points, and other sensitive locations.
According to officials, more than 1,000 police personnel were stationed across New Delhi and nearby areas as a precautionary measure.
The CJP, which emerged as a youth-led online movement, says it is seeking accountability for alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The organisation has gained visibility through social media campaigns demanding reforms and greater transparency in the education system.