'Dharmendra Pradhan must resign': Cockroach Janta Party protests at Jantar Mantar over NEET 2026 paper leak

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET 2026 paper leak and alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.Protesters gathered at the site and raised slogans against the minister. One of the slogans read, "Dharmendra Pradhan Istifa do." Another said, "We asked for 'Make in India', you gave us 'Leak in India'."The demonstration was led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who travelled from Boston in the United States to participate in the protest. On his arrival in New Delhi, Dipke was seen carrying a copy of Dr BR Ambedkar's autobiography.Ahead of the protest, the party announced its plans on social media. In a post on X, it said, "With the full backing of the Constitution of India, cockroaches will begin our protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation."Later, the party said Delhi Police had granted permission for the demonstration. "Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar. We can now assemble directly at Jantar Mantar," the post said, adding, "Cockroaches aa rahe hain, Dharmendra Pradhan jaa rahe hain."

According to an official order issued by the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi District, Delhi Police allowed the protest to be held from 10 am to 5 pm. The permission was granted as a one-time exemption in line with Supreme Court guidelines and related civil appeals.The protest comes at a time when concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations remain high. NEET-UG 2026 has been rescheduled for June 21 following disruptions linked to paper leaks and administrative lapses.Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is continuing its probe into the matter. Several arrests have already been made. Recently, CBI Director Praveen Sood and NTA Director General Abhishek Singh briefed a Parliamentary Standing Committee on the progress of the investigation.Student groups have also organised protests in Delhi and other parts of the country, demanding accountability over repeated examination controversies. Earlier, several protesters were detained outside the Ministry of Education.