New Delhi, July 21: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, intensifying its campaign over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration follows Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, during which party leaders accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the government was shielding the Education Minister despite concerns raised over the handling of the NEET controversy. Addressing supporters at the protest site, Dipke claimed that the administration was prioritising political interests over the concerns of students and their families.
The protest also witnessed the participation of Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Member of Parliament Chandra Shekhar Aazad, who joined demonstrators in Parliament Street to express solidarity with students demanding accountability in the examination issue. Protesters reiterated their demand for a transparent investigation into the alleged paper leak and sought the resignation of the Education Minister.
Dipke Alleges Excessive Force During Protest
Referring to the police action during Monday’s demonstration, Dipke alleged that authorities resorted to force while attempting to disperse the gathering. He claimed that several protesters sustained injuries during the march and criticised the government’s response to the agitation.
The CJP founder also issued a public message to supporters through social media, expressing regret over the injuries reportedly suffered by demonstrators. He particularly mentioned women participants who, according to him, faced harsh treatment during the police operation.
Dipke said the organisation would continue its movement despite the confrontation and assured protesters that the campaign for justice and accountability would not be withdrawn.
Party Leaders Describe Protest as Peaceful
CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka accused the Delhi Police of using lathi-charge against demonstrators during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. According to him, several volunteers were allegedly injured after security personnel attempted to stop the procession.
Ranka claimed that some protesters suffered head injuries and other physical harm during the incident. He also alleged that women participants were handled roughly while being removed from the protest site.
Calling the police response unprecedented, Ranka said the organisation believed the action was intended to suppress peaceful demonstrations. He asserted that the alleged crackdown would only strengthen the movement, encouraging more people from across the country to join future protests in Delhi.
The party leadership maintained that its agitation would continue until the government addressed its demands regarding the NEET paper leak controversy and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Delhi Police Rejects Allegations
Delhi Police, however, categorically denied the allegations made by CJP leaders regarding the events during Monday’s protest.
In an official statement, the police said that misleading claims were being circulated on social media about the alleged assault of protesters, including reports that several participants had suffered serious injuries.
The police clarified that these claims were false and urged the public not to circulate or amplify unverified information online. According to the statement, reports alleging widespread injuries and assaults on demonstrators did not reflect the actual situation.
Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar
Despite the denial by law enforcement authorities, CJP leaders continued their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday. Demonstrators raised slogans seeking accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and demanded action against those responsible.
Supporters said the movement would continue through peaceful demonstrations until the government responds to their concerns. Additional security personnel remained deployed in the area to maintain law and order as the protest entered another day.
The NEET paper leak issue has triggered widespread political debate in recent months, with opposition parties, student groups and several organisations demanding a fair investigation and greater transparency in the conduct of competitive examinations. Meanwhile, the government has maintained that appropriate measures are being taken to safeguard the integrity of the examination system while investigating complaints related to the controversy.