Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, entered the seventh day of a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration follows alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the NEET paper leak controversy, which has reportedly been linked to at least 17 student suicides.
Why is the protest at Jantar Mantar occurring?
Dipke has maintained a continuous sit-in to demand Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities. During the protest, Dipke marked the Education Minister’s birthday by writing “Happy Birthday, Pradhan. Please resign” on a whiteboard.
On the fifth day of the protest, Dipke appeared before a committee of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) over the withholding of the group’s X account. He argued that the authorities did not explain why the account was withheld and questioned why similar confidentiality was not maintained in the NEET paper leak case.
Dipke said, “Everything is confidential; you should have kept the NEET paper confidential as well. Why did that leak? These suicides would not have happened.”
The protestor also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning if the Prime Minister could stop paper leaks in the same way he claims to have stopped the Russia-Ukraine war. Dipke holds Pradhan responsible for the deaths of students, claiming, “Who is responsible for the suicides? It is Dharmendra Pradhan.”
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has expressed support for the protest movement from Geneva, where he described the area outside the United Nations office as a global equivalent to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for peaceful demonstrations. He stated that accountability in education and environmental governance remains his key demands.
What has Sonam Wangchuk announced?
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Thursday that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar starting June 28. This action is contingent on the government’s failure to respond to demands regarding the alleged NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk released a video from Geneva, near the United Nations office at the Palais des Nations, where he described the area as a global equivalent to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He stated he would wait until June 27 for a government response before launching the fast.
Wangchuk has supported the Cockroach Janata Party’s demands since the protests began, having appeared at their initial protest on June 6. He identified accountability in education and environmental governance as his primary demands.
What could happen following the June 27 deadline?
If the central government does not provide a satisfactory response by June 27, Sonam Wangchuk is likely to commence his hunger strike on June 28. The protest movement may see further developments if the government does not engage in talks with the Cockroach Janata Party.
Dipke has stated that his group is willing to hold discussions with the government, provided that Pradhan resigns. Currently, Dipke claims that the Centre has made no outreach and has instead labeled the group as “terrorists.”
Dipke said, “Are we asking for votes? We are asking for justice. We are taxpayers, our parents are taxpayers, and you call us terrorists. Are you not ashamed?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary demand of the Cockroach Janata Party?
The group is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.
How many student deaths have been linked to the NEET issue?
At least 17 students have reportedly died by suicide in relation to the NEET paper leak issue.
When will Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike begin?
If there is no government response by June 27, Wangchuk is scheduled to begin an indefinite hunger strike on June 28.
Will the government engage in dialogue with the protesters regarding the examination irregularities?
