The controversy sparked by the leak of the NEET exam question papers in India and the subsequent student protests have drawn national attention. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continues to hold demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and fulfillment of student demands. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to set up a fast-track court to investigate the NEET scandal, protesters have vowed to persist until their demands are met.
News of the paper leak broke on social media on May 5, 2024, but the National Testing Agency (NTA) denied the allegations. Although issues such as paper leaks, irregularities, and grace marks have surfaced, student opposition is intensifying. Various student organizations in cities like Delhi and Hyderabad are continuing their protests, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The matter has reached the Supreme Court, which has recommended reforms like exam digitization, restructuring of the NTA, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms. However, the problem of paper leaks persists. Nearly 2.3 million students appeared for the NEET exam held on May 3 this year. After the exam, the Rajasthan police confirmed that question papers went viral intact. The government announced the cancellation of the exam on May 12. Despite some reduction in criticism, 11 candidates committed suicide, highlighting the severe impact on students’ years of efforts and mental health.
The Cockroach Janata Party, initially limited to the digital sphere, was ironically founded by Abhijeet Deepak following the Chief Justice of India’s comparison of youth to inactive cockroaches. Targeting youth frustration and anger, CJP gained popularity on social media, receiving praise from opposition parties, influencers, and media personalities. However, with the recurrence of the NEET paper leak, CJP transcended its digital origins into a real-world movement.
Well-known YouTuber Dhruv Rathi, a vocal critic of the government, has also demanded Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. In a video posted on May 20, he raised issues like unemployment, corruption, the NEET question paper controversy, and media conditions, urging supporters to focus on the movement. Addressing the prime minister, he said, “I request the Cockroach Janata Party to recognize that the current education system has disappointed the youth. Consequently, demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and include this in your manifesto.” He also humorously expressed his wish to join the Cockroach Janata Party.
CJP founder Deepak, returning to India, released a video on social media amplifying the voices of students who committed suicide. The Cockroach Janata Party continues to call for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar demanding the education minister’s resignation. Arriving from the US on June 6 with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s autobiography, Deepak was joined by Sonam Wangchuk, who announced on June 5 that he would participate in protests if Pradhan did not resign. Wangchuk arrived at Jantar Mantar from Delhi airport carrying a rose, following Deepak’s call for peaceful protest symbolism. Wangchuk views the movement positively. While some have attempted to link CJP to conspiracy theories, on May 23 he described himself as the movement’s ‘honorary cockroach’ (Avanti Cockroach) and called on the government to address youth concerns.
In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Wangchuk emphasized that the campaign should be seen as democratic support rather than a threat. Citing the Janajati movement in Nepal, he highlighted how restrictions on online expression can produce unforeseen consequences, especially noting the complications from internet shutdowns in Nepal.
The initial days of CJP were similarly turbulent, with the issues escalating rapidly. Wangchuk was hospitalized after a 25-day indefinite hunger strike supporting the movement, having consumed only salt and water since June 28. He stated from the hospital that he would continue the strike until their demands were assured. In a letter dated July 22 from the hospital, he demanded compensation for families of students who committed suicide due to paper leaks, ensured accountability through parliamentary debate, the education minister’s resignation, and a pledge not to suppress the movement.
During Wangchuk’s hospitalization, Deepak also undertook a hunger strike but ended it after a few days for health reasons. Students too participated in hunger strikes. Central ministers have shown willingness to negotiate with CJP. On July 20, MP JP Nadda met with CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das and received their memorandum, though the government has made no official confirmation. The demands include hospital discharge for hunger strikers, immunity from legal action for protesters, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation or dismissal, and financial compensation to families of students who died by suicide. Spokesperson Das stated they are awaiting a prolonged dialogue with Nadda. Even without commitments from the government, the movement will continue.
During the parliamentary session march, clashes broke out between police and protesters. Police established three-tier barricades at Jantar Mantar entrances, and violence erupted when the crowd attempted to break through. Crackdowns also occurred in Delhi and Patna, with complaints of women being inappropriately touched. Amnesty International reported suppression of peaceful protests in India. Amnesty India president Akar Patel confirmed such reports from Jantar Mantar. A petition in the Supreme Court against police repression was rejected, with Chief Justice Surya Kant declining to hear the case.
Following police repression on July 20, Bollywood actors, comedians, influencers, journalists, and intellectuals criticized the government and encouraged protesters to remain steadfast.
Monday’s report dispelled doubts whether CJP is confined to social media or a real movement. Many Rajasthan students came out onto streets rejecting the government’s prolonged silence. Independent journalist Smita Sharma noted that the youth do not want to ignore issues of education, inflation, and unemployment, a clear message the government must understand. Opposition parties’ involvement in the movement is increasing; parties initially keeping distance are now regular at Jantar Mantar. Congress spokesperson and MP Pawan Khedekar met protesters, stating, “Peaceful protest is every citizen’s constitutional right. When citizens undertake hunger strikes, the government’s duty is to listen, not turn away. This is the essence of governance.” He added, “I advised ending the strike for health reasons, but no movement grows stronger by losing people. We must keep fighting to survive.”
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia visited the protest site, urging people to rise above party lines and join the march. Samajwadi Party MPs Priya Saroj, Rajiv Rai, and Ikra Hasan were also present at Jantar Mantar. Opposition parties have begun raising issues related to the CJP and the movement in Parliament. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the lathi charge matter in the Rajya Sabha, accusing the Modi government of trying to suppress youth voices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his silence by announcing the formation of fast-track courts to resolve the NEET paper leak issue. Janata Dal United spokesperson Neeraj Kumar expressed concern, saying this is not only a student issue but also concerns parents. He hoped the prime minister’s assurance and fast-track courts would prevent leniency towards offenders and that the judiciary would ensure full punishment. Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the government’s highest priority is the welfare and future of youth. Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government, saying, “You have caused the most damage to our youth’s future. You have protected and led the education system toward destruction.” He added, “If Modi ji truly cared for the youth, all demands should have been met.”
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has expressed readiness to hold talks with CJP representatives, indicating that discussions could take place at JP Nadda’s office or residence.
