Cockroach Janta Party Focuses On Pradhan's Resignation Demand, Plans Protest On June 6

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokespersons Vijeta Dahiya, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka attend a press conference in New Delhi, June 3, 2026. | Photo credit: Reuters

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) will hold a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Jantar Mantar in the capital on June 6, the movement’s spokespersons said at their first press conference on Wednesday (June 3, 2026). “We are seeking minimal accountability from this system where there has been rot,” spokesman Saurav Das said.

Mr. Pradhan has taken flak in recent days over the paper leaks and cancellation of NEET-UG, medical entrance examination and problems with the new marking system for the Central Board of Secondary Education on-screen examination for Class 12 examination.

Abhijeet Dipke, who started CJP’s social media accounts last month and gained millions of followers, will arrive in Delhi from the US on Saturday morning. They will then approach the Parliament Street police station seeking permission to protest at Jantar Mantar, said Mr. Das, a journalist who joined two others this week as the CJP’s spokesman.

“Protest without party banners”

Mr. Das dismissed the transfers of the CBSE chairman and secretary as mere “eyewash” and added that “the government is not talking to us, no matter how hard we try.” He asked people from all political backgrounds to participate in the June 6 protest “without their party or organizational banners” to call for Mr. Pradhan’s resignation.

“We are in absurd times where I have to explain why (Mr Pradhan) has to resign,” said Vijeta Dahiya, another spokesperson who also works as a filmmaker. “We have this absurd idea of democracy; vote once every five years, elect a king and think about the next election. Democracy must be dynamic. Our representatives should represent our wishes, needs and interests. We didn’t elect a king, we elected employees. If they don’t do their job, they must be questioned.”

Mr. Das refused to commit CJP, who has gained over 22 million followers on Instagram, to any other positions at this stage. “It is a 15-day-old movement that started as satire,” he said. “We have seen irregularities in five exams. This is our priority for now. Even after this, we will continuously connect with the youth and draw attention to the problems,” he added.

Published – 03 Jun 2026 20:08 IST