NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) intensified its agitation over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, with party founder Abhijeet Dipke and supporters staging an overnight sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and vowing not to end the protest until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.The demonstration entered its second day on Sunday despite Delhi Police directing protesters to vacate the venue after the expiry of their permitted protest hours on Saturday evening.
Overnight protest despite police warning
The protest, which began on Saturday afternoon, continued through the night as demonstrators remained at Jantar Mantar, raising slogans and demanding accountability over the alleged paper leak. Delhi Police had informed protesters that permission for the gathering was valid only between 10am and 5pm and warned that continuing beyond the approved hours could invite legal action.Despite the warning, Dipke and his supporters refused to leave the site, turning the demonstration into an overnight sit-in. Throughout the night, supporters remained at the venue while Dipke repeatedly addressed the gathering and urged more people to join the movement.
Protesters allege disruption of basic facilities
During the protest, participants alleged that access to basic amenities had been restricted. According to the protesters, lights at the venue were switched off and access to water, food and washrooms was curtailed.Dipke appealed to authorities to restore water supply to public restrooms, claiming there had been no water availability since Saturday night. Protesters later said that drinking water services were restored and lights were switched back on.“I request the authorities not to cut off the water supply to the restrooms at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Since last night there’s no water supply at the public restrooms,” he said in a post on X.In a series of posts on social media, Dipke also urged police not to stop supporters from reaching Jantar Mantar, insisting that the protest remained peaceful and focused on seeking justice for students affected by the controversy.
Demand for Pradhan’s resignation remains central
At the heart of the agitation is the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke has accused the government of failing to ensure accountability over alleged examination irregularities and has maintained that fixing responsibility is essential for restoring public confidence in the examination system.“We are extending our protest and wont back off until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns!” he said.The CJP has also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak controversy and cancellation of the examination.Addressing supporters, Dipke reiterated that the protest would continue peacefully but would not be withdrawn until accountability was established. He also said channels for dialogue with the Centre remained open if the minister stepped down.
Appeal to NEET candidates to join protest
As the NEET re-examination is set to be conducted on Sunday, Dipke appealed to candidates appearing for the test to join the protest after completing their examination.“We are holding the fort, but without your support this movement won’t be successful,” he said while urging people from across the country to gather at Jantar Mantar.“Best of luck to all NEET re-exam aspirants. Our best wishes are with you. Join us at Jantar Mantar after your exam ends, we are looking forward to meeting you all!” he said.The protest site continued to witness a steady stream of supporters carrying placards and raising slogans through the night. Hundreds of youth had gathered at the venue on Saturday after Dipke’s call to bring “thali and chammach”, with protesters banging plates and spoons as a symbol of resistance.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest, also warned that he would begin a hunger strike on June 27 if Pradhan did not resign.The ongoing demonstration marks the second major protest organised by the CJP at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for accountability from the government.
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