Sonam Wangchuk, Dipankar Bhattacharya join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police detain six people
On Saturday, the Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk and the CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya joined the massive youth protest held under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the youth’s demands. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has detained six people as a precautionary measure after receiving inputs about a possible confrontation between supporters and opponents of the movement. The Police officials said the six were taken into preventive custody to maintain law and order and prevent any disruption at the site.
According to Police, the individuals were found attempting to create a disturbance near Jantar Mantar. Authorities added that the situation remained under control throughout the day and no untoward incident was reported.
The CJP is staging its first major on-ground protest since morning at Jantar Mantar after the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s return to India from the United States. Since the NEET paper leak controversy, the CJP has been demanding the resignation of Education Dharmendra Pradhan. The Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party stated that its primary demand remains the resignation of Education Minister.
Wangchuk had earlier announced that he would participate in the protest if no significant developments took place by June 5. Ahead of the demonstration, the activist had expressed concern over issues affecting students and the broader education system. In statements shared before joining the protest, he said his concerns extended beyond the NEET paper leak issue and questions surrounding CBSE evaluation processes.
The Cockroach Janta Party was started as a satirical online movement after remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a hearing. The CJI compared a section of young unemployed youth with cockroaches and parasite of the societhy. The comment sparked online discussions and eventually inspired the formation of the ‘satirical political movement’. The movement has also received support from several public figures, including social activist Sonam Wangchuk and actor Prakash Raj.