The founder of online satirical political outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijit Debaki, on Saturday joined the planned demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, but not before openly calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid NEET and CBSE classes.
The planned protest was organized amid tight security measures. Hundreds of people, mostly young people, came out to participate in the demonstration, many wearing cockroach masks and carrying flowers. School students were also seen participating in the vigil with their parents. Follow live updates here.
Debaki’s flight landed at Delhi airport Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport this morning arriving from the United States. In his first statements after his arrival, Debke indicated that five students had committed suicide.
“The education minister should resign. Five students have committed suicide,” Debki said at the airport arrivals gate, holding up the CV of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
Jantar Mantar protest
At the Jantar Mantar protest, the majority of participants were a mix of school and college students, along with young professionals.
Dozens of students gathered at the place, chanting slogans and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Abhijit Debaki urged his supporters to maintain discipline and ensure that the protest remains peaceful.
In the run-up to the protest, the AKP distributed guidelines urging participants to maintain nonviolent behavior and avoid confrontation. Debke’s final plea reiterated these instructions, emphasizing respectful treatment of law enforcement personnel during the demonstration.
In a post on X, the CJP founder expressed his happiness at meeting supporters at Jantar Mantar and encouraged them to bring a book and the national flag. He also urged participants to offer flowers to police personnel “as a gesture of sympathy and gratitude,” stressing that the movement must be led “with love and peace.”
active Sonam Wangchuk, who also expressed support for the protest, stated that he would fast for six weeks if Debaki was arrested.
The protest was organized by CJP, a youth-led online movement demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in examinations and employment tests, including NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC exams.
Security measures have been tightened
Security has been tightened across the national capital in anticipation of the protest. Police officials told news agency PTI that additional personnel have been deployed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, border entry points and other sensitive locations.
More than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed across New Delhi and other strategic locations as a precautionary measure.
