Heavy Security in Delhi as Cockroach Janta Party Holds Protest at Jantar Mantar

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, with participants demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in various national examinations. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke joined the demonstration amid heavy security arrangements. The gathering attracted a large number of participants, including school and college students as well as young professionals. Many demonstrators wore cockroach masks and carried flowers as part of the symbolic protest. Ahead of the event, the organization had circulated a list of guidelines for participants, urging them to bring the national flag, a book, and a flower. Dipke also appealed to supporters to maintain discipline and ensure that the protest remained peaceful. He encouraged participants to present flowers to police personnel as a gesture of gratitude and respect. The protest was organized to seek accountability for alleged irregularities in examinations such as NEET, CBSE, CUET, and SSC. Protesters raised slogans demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, with several banners and placards highlighting concerns related to examination management and paper leak allegations. According to official orders issued by the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi District, Delhi Police granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The approval was reportedly given as a one-time exemption in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines and related civil appeals. In view of the protest call, security was tightened across the national capital. Additional police personnel were deployed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, major railway stations, interstate bus terminals, border entry points, and other sensitive locations. More than 1,000 police personnel were stationed across New Delhi district and other strategic areas as a precautionary measure. Authorities also strengthened security outside Dipke’s residence in the Waluj MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Officials stated that the enhanced deployment was intended to prevent unnecessary crowd gatherings following Dipke’s arrival in India. Police teams were stationed both at the residence and in surrounding areas to maintain law and order. The movement has also received support from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who announced that he would undertake a six-week fast if Dipke were to be arrested. Meanwhile, police authorities said they remained in coordination with intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders to ensure public safety and smooth movement across the city. The Cockroach Janta Party, which began as a satirical online movement, has evolved into an organized campaign with significant support on social media. Saturday’s demonstration marked its latest public mobilization, drawing attention to issues related to examination administration and accountability.