The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has said its protest will continue even after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday. Calling the resignation only a partial victory, CJP founding president Abhijeet Dipke announced two new demands and said the movement would not end yet.
Addressing supporters near the protest site, Dipke said the families of students who died by suicide during the NEET examination crisis should receive ₹1 crore as compensation. He also demanded strict action against police personnel for using force on protesters during the 20th July march towards Parliament.
The protests, which began over NEET paper leak concerns and problems in the education system, later grew into a larger movement against unemployment, government accountability and lack of opportunities. Tensions increased after police stopped thousands of protesters on 20th July, leaving several students injured. Dipke also demanded that all FIRs registered against students after that day be withdrawn.
“There is no need to be afraid. This is democracy. We have two more demands and we are not leaving like this,” Dipke said. Ending his speech with a warning to the Centre, he added, “Do not mess with cockroaches.”
Government had accepted two demands earlier; the police action demand is new
Before Pradhan stepped down, the Centre had already held talks with CJP leaders at the Constitution Club in Delhi. During that meeting, the government had agreed in principle to two demands ₹1 crore compensation for affected families and protection for peaceful protesters, including withdrawing FIRs and avoiding future legal action. However, Dipke’s latest demand seeking action against police officers over the 20th July crackdown has now been added to the list.
During Friday’s nearly two-hour meeting, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh met CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The party also submitted a five-point proposal seeking reforms in the examination system. The government had then said the demand for Pradhan’s resignation would be discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before a final decision.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the party would attend further talks only after receiving a formal invitation from the government. Despite the minister’s resignation, the organisation has made it clear that its agitation will continue until its remaining demands are addressed.
