Hundreds of government job aspirants and students gathered at Jantar Mantar on Saturday for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) second major protest, escalating demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities and recruitment delays.
Activists and high-profile figures, including actor Sukhi Sangwan (Maamla Legal Hai) and activist Sonam Wangchuk, joined or were expected to join the demonstration, which organizers claim drew nearly 2,000 people.
Satire, ‘Thalis’, and Anti-Virus Slogans
The protest leaned heavily into satire and pop culture, with participants carrying posters and placards featuring memes. Ahead of the rally, CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke had released a video urging supporters to bring a thali (plate) and chamach (spoon)—a direct satirical nod to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 COVID-19 pandemic appeal to bang utensils.
The crowd erupted into chants of “Go Pradhan Go” following a speech that took a sharp swipe at the minister.
“We were told that vibration kills Corona,” a speaker told the crowd. “Now, a friend has told me there is a new virus in the education system called Dharmendra Pradhan.”
Actor Sukhi Sangwan took the stage to express solidarity with the students, raising slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad.” During his speech, Sangwan revealed that his activism had drawn scrutiny from authorities following a previous protest on June 6.
“A CID officer called me and asked why I was ruining my acting career,” Sangwan said. “I told him that when the system is failing so badly, we have to raise our voice… My country comes before my profession. We are the real rashtravadis (nationalists).”
Sangwan also criticized systemic failures in testing logistics, citing a reported incident where an Indian student was inexplicably allotted an examination center in Abu Dhabi.
The demonstration follows an open letter sent by Abhijeet Dipke to Prime Minister Modi on Friday. In the letter, Dipke highlighted a mental health crisis among students, claiming that 11 aspirants had died by suicide in recent weeks amid ongoing examination controversies.
Delhi Police and traffic officials enforced a strict, multi-layered security blanket around Jantar Mantar. Barricades were erected, and mandatory body scans were conducted at entry points.
Addressing the security personnel, a CJP leader appealed for mutual respect and a peaceful environment. “We are with the nation, supporting it without a uniform. We are also fighting for your children,” the speaker said, adding that officers at various locations had quietly expressed appreciation for CJP’s peaceful advocacy.
Organizers have indicated that the campaign will intensify in the coming weeks if their demands are not met. Despite a heavy deployment of Delhi Police and multi-tiered security barricades, the event proceeded peacefully. CJP leaders stated they intend to sustain the campaign in the capital over the coming weeks.
