New Delhi: The protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its second day on Sunday, with founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterating the group’s demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET-UG row.
Addressing supporters at the protest site, Dipke said the agitation would continue until Pradhan steps down. “We will not leave until he resigns,” he asserted, while describing the demonstration as a democratic exercise aimed at seeking accountability in the education system.
The protest, which began on Saturday, has drawn students, activists and supporters from across the country. Organisers have accused the government of failing to adequately address concerns arising from the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and other examination-related irregularities.
Dipke urged candidates appearing for the NEET-UG re-test to focus on their examinations and join the movement afterward. Protesters remained at Jantar Mantar overnight despite police warnings, vowing to intensify their campaign if their demands are not met.
The demonstration also featured satirical posters, memes and symbolic acts of protest. Supporters were seen banging steel plates and spoons, a move organisers described as a symbolic expression of dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of education-related issues.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the agitation, warned that he could launch a hunger strike if no action is taken against the education minister. His participation added momentum to the protest, which has increasingly attracted public attention.
“Even media is afraid. If not now…if not us, who…,if not we, then no one…the truth can’t be supressed, we have to save country from fear and lies more than China and Pakistan..we hope for accountability. We will do whatever needed so that government takes responsibility of ensuring accountability in education, environment issues..even in Ladakh…if it fails, I will sit on Anasan,” he told the protesters.
According to organisers, the protest’s primary objective remains securing Pradhan’s resignation and ensuring greater accountability in the conduct of national-level examinations.
