Bhubaneswar: Amid widespread outrage across Odisha over alleged errors in school textbooks, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has thrown extended its support to the ongoing agitation in the state over the issue.
Announcing his arrival in Bhubaneswar, CJP co convenor Saurav Das said he is slated to meet protesters and those staging hunger strikes under the banner of ‘Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan’.
“Today, I am in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to meet protesters and those on hunger strike… Joining me is Balkrishna Shukla, our Jt. Secretary Organisation and members of Odisha CJP,” Das posted on X.
#Today, I am in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to meet protesters and those on hunger strike under the banner of ‘Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan’ protesting against school textbook irregularities. Joining me is Balkrishna Shukla, our Jt. Secretary Organisation and members of Odisha CJP.…
— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) September 21, 2026
The CJP leader’s announcement comes a day after opposition BJD’s youth and students wings threatened to gherao the state Assembly building in Bhubaneswar, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
At a press meet on Sunday evening, Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) president Chinmay Sahu and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) president Ipsita Sahu accused the state government of failing to withdraw flawed textbooks for Classes I–VIII even four months after mistakes were flagged.
“If the minister does not resign, the Yuva and Chhatra BJD will sit on an indefinite day and night dharna in front of the Assembly by 22 September,” Chinmay Sahu warned.
The BJD also alleged a Rs 380 crore scam in textbook publication, claiming the tender was awarded to a BJP leader linked to the Centre.
While the BJD leaders accused Nityananda Gond of being involved in this corruption, the minister maintained that proofreading is underway and assured corrected textbooks would be distributed soon.
Meanwhile, Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan, student wing of the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS), has also announced plans to gherao the Odisha Assembly on the opening day of the monsoon session on September 22.
