New Delhi, July 23: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of setting up fast track courts for cases related to paper leaks, stating that the move failed to address the issue of accountability within the examination system.
The protesting group reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying that strict punishment after irregularities occur would not prevent future leaks unless those responsible for systemic failures are held accountable.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X earlier in the day, announced measures to ensure quicker legal action against those involved in paper leaks. He said that protecting the future of young students remains the government’s highest priority and that those responsible would face stringent consequences.
Responding to the statement, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared a post featuring Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with the message “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign,” maintaining the group’s stand over the ongoing agitation.
CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka welcomed the Prime Minister’s response but questioned the timing and effectiveness of the measures announced by the government.
Ranka said the announcement came after nearly six weeks of protests and argued that the focus should be on preventing paper leaks rather than only punishing individuals after the damage has already occurred.
“Punishment after a leak happens does not solve the root problem. The government needs to explain why such incidents continue to take place and who is responsible for these failures,” Ranka said.
He compared the government’s response to treating the symptoms rather than addressing the cause, claiming that repeated examination irregularities indicate deeper problems in the education system.
According to Ranka, the protesters believe that lack of accountability and ineffective management are among the major reasons behind recurring controversies surrounding competitive examinations.
He further said that public frustration over the issue was growing and that the movement was gaining wider attention beyond its original demand.
“We will not leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” Ranka said, adding that protesters remained determined to continue their demonstration.
The CJP spokesperson also claimed that slogans raised at the protest site increasingly reflected anger towards the central government’s handling of the issue, with some protesters questioning the Prime Minister’s response to their concerns.
The agitation, led by CJP, began on June 20 and has been demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has been observing an indefinite hunger strike. He has said that he would consider ending his fast if the Centre assures that peaceful participants in the movement will not face punitive action or legal cases.
The protesters have maintained that their campaign will continue until they receive assurances on accountability, transparency, and reforms in the examination process.