CJP Continues Jantar Mantar Protest, Renews Demand for Education Minister’s Resignation

NEW DELHI, July 22: Protesters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, with more supporters joining the agitation overnight as the protest over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations entered its second month. In a post on X, the CJP claimed that thousands of supporters had gathered at the protest site and reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party questioned the Centre’s response to the issue, alleging that the concerns of students had not been adequately addressed. Volunteers at the protest site received food and other essential supplies from supporters, while demonstrators continued their sit-in despite heavy security deployment following Monday’s police action during the party’s “Sansad Chalo” march. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the agitation would continue until the Education Minister steps down, asserting that the movement would not be withdrawn. Late on Tuesday night, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke clarified that the organisation had called for protests only at Jantar Mantar and urged supporters not to assemble elsewhere in Delhi. He also alleged that attempts were being made by unidentified persons to create disturbances at other locations and said such individuals had no connection with the CJP. The protest, which began on June 20, is demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike, continues his fast from Medanta Hospital after being shifted there from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order. Wangchuk has said he will continue his hunger strike until accountability is fixed in the education system or political leaders assure him that the issue will be taken up for discussion in Parliament.