A massive protest erupted at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged its first major demonstration, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in national examinations. The demonstration drew students, activists, and frustrated citizens from across India who raised slogans of "Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign" while carrying placards highlighting education-related grievances.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived in Delhi ahead of the protest, marking his first visit to India since launching the party. The group secured permission from Delhi Police authorities for the peaceful sit-in, with security tightened in central Delhi as police prepared for the demonstration.
NEET 2026 Paper Leak Fuels Student Outrage
The protest centers on the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which has plunged the futures of millions of students into darkness according to Congress statements. The National Testing Agency announced on May 12 that it was cancelling the NEET-UG exam held on May 3 after detecting that question papers had been leaked.
Participants at Jantar Mantar raised specific concerns about the leak and questioned the integrity of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, stated his party will not rest until Pradhan resigns and a foolproof system prevents future paper leaks like NEET.
कॉकरोचों का विद्रोह #cjpprotest pic.twitter.com/flCKXf1LQP
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) June 6, 2026
CBSE On-Screen Marking System Triggers Technical Backlash
Beyond the NEET controversy, protesters also highlighted the Central Board of Secondary Education's controversial On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 board examinations. The OSM system was supposed to make board evaluation faster and more transparent but instead triggered massive outrage among students and parents across India.
Students alleged low marking, unchecked answers, missing step marking, and poor scan quality after answer sheets were digitised and evaluated online for the first time. The controversy intensified after CBSE admitted that over 68,000 answer books had to be rescanned due to poor image quality, while thousands of copies required manual checking.
A Hindustan Times investigation revealed that technical concerns around the OSM rollout had reportedly been flagged internally even before implementation, yet CBSE moved ahead without conducting a nationwide pilot test.
Sonam Wangchuk Joins Agitation
Prominent education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has extended support to CJP and confirmed his participation in the protest. Wangchuk announced he will join the CJP members in Delhi on June 6 if nothing changes by May 5, citing education system concerns.
Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, wrote on X: "I will be joining the CJP members in Delhi on 6th June if nothing changes by 5th June". His participation adds significant credibility to the protest, given his established reputation in education reform circles.
Congress Demands Resignation and Independent Probe
The Indian National Congress has intensified its attack on the Centre, demanding Pradhan's resignation over the growing NEET UG 2026 exam scandal. State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra in Jaipur alleged irregularities in NEET examinations conducted between 2024 and 2026, claiming the future of lakhs of students was jeopardised due to repeated paper leaks.
Congress is seeking a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe or an investigation monitored by a Supreme Court judge into the National Testing Agency. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claimed NEET papers were leaking continuously over the past years, with public anger growing.
Already facing calls to resign, Pradhan may now face privilege proceedings in the Rajya Sabha after Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh moved a notice against him for allegedly lowering the dignity of Parliament through remarks made at a press conference following the paper leak.
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Key Facts About Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Education Minister and Party Affiliation:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Position | Union Minister for Education and Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
| Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Parliamentary Role | Member of Rajya Sabha representing Madhya Pradesh |
| Assumed Charge | June 12, 2024 at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi |
Educational Qualification:
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Holds a Master in Arts (Anthropology) degree from Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Odisha
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Post-graduate from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, in Anthropology
Background:
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Born June 26, 1969, hails from Talcher in Odisha
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Started as Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist in 1983, served as ABVP Secretary
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Previously member of the 14th Lok Sabha
Protest Timeline and Participation
The CJP protest witnessed participation from students, activists, and various groups who voiced concerns over education-related issues and government policies. Demonstrators marched through key areas of Delhi carrying placards and chanting slogans against the central government.
Organizers said participants travelled from different parts of the country to join the demonstration. The protest gained attention for the party's unusual name and its demands addressing public concern and governance issues.
Abhijeet Dipke managed to secure permission for the protest, with crowds gathering at Jantar Mantar as the demonstration proceeded with calls for peaceful participation.
