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Cockroach Janta Party Protest Live Updates: 'Resign in 7 days or ... , says CJP, gives ultimatum to Pradhan amid no govt response to protest

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which began as a satirical online movement and rapidly evolved into a Gen-Z driven political phenomen...

The Times of India | Jun 06, 2026, 19:07:05 IST

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19:07 (IST), Jun, 06

'Resign in 7 days or ... ': CJP's ultimatum to Pradhan amid no govt response to protest

The spokesperson held a press-conference after the protests wrapped for the day, calling for a response from the govt and said that "Dharmendra Pradhan should resign within 7 days or PM Modi should remove him". They further said right now raising voice on the "total collapse of the education system is the priority". They also said that right now "they have no plans to run in elections," on being asked about the rumours around it.

18:25 (IST), Jun, 06

'Today’s protest was just a trailer': CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke heads home to meet his parents

"Going home to see my parents, it’s been more than a year since I last met them. They've suffered a lot over the last 15 days and had to leave home because of threats. Will be taking them back to home," he said on X.

18:07 (IST), Jun, 06

'Expression of huge anger and frustration experienced by the youth of this country': Kejriwal on CJP protests

"The cockroach movement is an expression of huge anger and frustration experienced by the youth of this country. Rather than terming them anti-national, Modi govt shud address their issues. AAP supports their demands. The Prime Minister must sack the education minister immediately," said ex-Delhi CM on X.

17:24 (IST), Jun, 06

'It proves that we are alive!' CJP on today's protests

"People say, what does it achieve by holding movements, sit-ins, demonstrations, and taking out processions? It proves that we are alive!"For the government, we may be mere insects, but we are alive and capable of fighting for our rights," the party said on X.

16:47 (IST), Jun, 06

'They said cockroaches won't come on ground': CJP chief Dipke shares visuals as protests conclude

16:29 (IST), Jun, 06

Shivsena Party chief Shri Uddhav Thackeray backs CJP protest

Sanjay Raut shared a post on X, saying it was Thackeray's statement, which said, "An agitation of ‘Cockroaches’ has begun at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.Those whom we call the destiny-makers and future of the country — thousands of young people — have come out on the streets in the scorching heat, carrying their pain and worries about their future.It is not right to belittle them by calling them ‘cockroaches’ and deny them justice.The NEET paper leak has devastated lakhs of young people. All these aggrieved young men and women are now raising their voices by becoming cockroaches.The government will have to listen to their demands.Do not underestimate the cockroaches — this is the warning given by the agitation at Jantar Mantar!"

16:15 (IST), Jun, 06

'Give jobs or step down': Calls for Pradhan's resignation grow as hundreds gather for CJP protest

"Give youth jobs and employment, or else leave power. Education minister," said CJP in a post on X.

14:53 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: What we know so far

  • CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET, CUET, CBSE and SSC GD examinations.

  • Delhi Police granted permission for the protest, allowing organisers to assemble directly at Jantar Mantar as a 'one-time exemption'.

  • Shortly after landing, Dipke posted on X: "Looking forward to meet you all at Jantar Mantar. Do not forget to carry a book and our Tiranga. Offer flowers to policemen as a gesture of compassion and gratitude. We have to lead this movement with love and peace."

  • Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived in Delhi from Ladakh to join the demonstration after earlier expressing support for the movement and describing himself as an "honorary cockroach".

  • Security was tightened across the national capital, with more than 1,000 police personnel deployed at key locations, including Indira Gandhi International Airport and Jantar Mantar.

  • Police also increased security outside Dipke's residence in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, deploying additional personnel to prevent crowding as public attention around the movement grew.

  • Hundreds of supporters, largely students and young professionals, gathered at Jantar Mantar carrying books, national flags, flowers and symbolic cockroach masks.
  • During his address, Dipke accused the government of focusing on the movement's online activity rather than addressing its demands. "You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space," he told supporters.
  • Recalling his arrival in Delhi, Dipke said he had prepared himself for possible detention. "I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause," he said.

  • Defending the importance of public demonstrations, he said: "People say, what does it achieve by holding movements, sit-ins, demonstrations and taking out processions? It proves that we are alive."

  • The protest remained peaceful, with organisers repeatedly urging participants to maintain discipline and follow constitutional and democratic methods.

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14:30 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya joins the demonstration

CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya joined the youth protest held under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in solidarity with the youth's demands.

He said that the youth are angry with the government's failure to stop paper leaks, rising unemployment, and the systematic destruction of public education. He added that the government must answer for these failures, and that union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign and be held accountable for the continuing education crisis.

14:25 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: 6 detained during CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar

Six people were detained by the Delhi Police to prevent a possible confrontation between two groups during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar.

The detentions were made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order after police received inputs about the possibility of tensions between supporters and opposers of the online movement, according to police.

Officials stated that the six individuals were taken into preventive custody when they were found attempting to create a disturbance near the protest site. Fortunately, the situation remained under control and no incidents were reported.

14:15 (IST), Jun, 06

"My mother was very scared that this government would throw me in jail. In this country, every mother feels this fear when their child raises their voice against this government. How long will we live in fear of this government?"

 

- Abhijeet Dipke

13:59 (IST), Jun, 06

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk arrives at Jantar Mantar with a rose


13:38 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest live: 'We may be mere insects, but we are alive', Abhijeet Dipke's message at CJP protest

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke defended the importance of public protests and demonstrations, saying they serve as a reminder that young people will continue to raise their voices on issues affecting them.

Speaking to the crowd, Dipke said the movement was about asserting the rights and concerns of students and youth.

"People say, what does it achieve by holding movements, sit-ins, demonstrations, and taking out processions? It proves that we are alive! For the government, we may be mere insects, but we are alive and capable of fighting for our rights," he said.

13:22 (IST), Jun, 06

'Don't fall for any distraction tactics': CJP demands amid protest

13:07 (IST), Jun, 06

“For the past 10-12 years, these people have kept us trapped in Hindu-Muslim politics—who benefited from this? Did Hindu-Muslim politics get jobs for anyone in the country?”

 

- CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke

13:00 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest live: 'I was ready to sacrifice my freedom', Abhijeet Dipke addresses supporters at Jantar Mantar

Reflecting on his arrival in Delhi earlier in the day, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said he had prepared himself for the possibility of detention before joining the protest at Jantar Mantar.

Speaking to supporters, Dipke said that moments before his flight landed in Delhi, he felt as though he was experiencing his final moments of freedom.

"I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause," he told the crowd.

The CJP founder also said fear of imprisonment had forced many people to compromise, but argued that young Indians had remained steadfast. "The youth and students of this country have not sold themselves," he said, drawing applause from the largely student-led gathering.

Dipke also thanked activist Sonam Wangchuk for supporting the movement and said he was expected to join the demonstration later in the day.

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12:48 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest live: 'You can delete our posts, not us', Abhijeet Dipke targets govt at CJP protest

Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of focusing on the group's online presence instead of responding to its demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests.

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Dipke claimed attempts had been made to suppress the movement's social media activity.

"It has been a month since we started demanding Pradhan's resignation on social media, but instead of taking action, they have been focused on other distractions, like hacking our accounts and getting our posts deleted. You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space," he said.

The remarks were met with loud cheers from supporters gathered at the protest venue.

12:20 (IST), Jun, 06

Watch: Abhijeet Dipke leads the protest

12:12 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: People hold banners during demonstrations

12:09 (IST), Jun, 06

'Cockroaches don't fear, they never die either', says Abhijeet Dipke

Abhijeet Dipke leading the protest said, " The youth of the country will no longer fear, they will fight. Cockroaches don't even fear, they never die either."

12:05 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Protestors demand resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan

12:04 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Security heightened at Abhijeet Dipke's Maharashtra home

Police have stepped up security outside the residence of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke in the Waluj MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.

According to police officials, the security cover has been expanded to prevent unnecessary crowding and maintain law and order amid growing public interest in the online movement.

"If there is a need to deploy more manpower, we will do so after a review," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Pankaj Atulkar said.

Officials said one security guard had earlier been stationed at the residence, but the deployment has now been increased to a team of 10 police personnel led by an officer.

Police also said Dipke's parents are currently not staying at the house. "They are not in contact with me," Atulkar said.

The security arrangements come as Dipke arrived in Delhi ahead of the CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar, where supporters are demanding the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related irregularities.

11:55 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: People came up with creative posters during demonstration

11:55 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Protestors wear cockroach masks while participating in the protest

11:45 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Delhi on high alert as police bolster security

Authorities deployed over 1,000 police personnel across key locations in Delhi, including airport and border checkpoints, amid heightened security arrangements for the protest.

11:37 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Sonam Wangchuk extends support to demonstrators

Activist Sonam Wangchuk backed the protest and said he would undertake a six-week fast if action is taken against Dipke in connection with the demonstration.

11:33 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest live: Protesters raise slogans against education minister

Participants at the venue chant slogans, demanding resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged lapses in examinations including NEET, CUET, CBSE and SSC.

11:25 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Hundreds gather at Jantar Mantar for CJP protest

Large numbers of students, young professionals and parents assembled at Jantar Mantar, many wearing cockroach masks and carrying flowers, to demand accountability over alleged examination and recruitment irregularities.

11:13 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: CJP rejects BJP's Pakistani-followers charge

CJP has earlier rejected BJP leaders’ claims that nearly half of the party’s social media followers were from Pakistan.

Claiming that the majority of the audience was Indian, he added, “More than 94% of the audience is from India.” He then questioned, “Why is a Union minister Kiren Rijiju labelling Indian youth as Pakistani?”


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10:53 (IST), Jun, 06

Watch: CJP begins protesting at Jantar Mantar, seeks Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

10:50 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Who is Abhijit Dipke?

Abhijeet Dipke is the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party. He is a political communication strategist whose work focuses on narrative building, public messaging and how digital platforms shape political opinion.

He studied journalism in Pune for his undergraduate degree and later moved to the United States for higher education. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Public Relations at Boston University.From 2020 to 2023, he volunteered with the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media team.

During the 2020 Delhi assembly elections won by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP in February 2020, he worked on meme-based digital campaigning that shaped the party’s political, online and youth engagement. In 2026, he launched the Cockroach Janata Party.

10:40 (IST), Jun, 06

Watch: Thousands of protestors gather at Jantar Mantar

10:36 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Founder moves to Delhi HC after social media accounts blocked

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke had earlier moved to Delhi high court challenging the Centre over the blocking of the group's social media accounts, days after the satirical online movement went viral.

Dipke has challenged the suspension of the party's X account, which was allegedly blocked by the government on national security grounds, according to ANI. He had earlier also claimed that the party's Instagram and X accounts were hacked before being suspended.

Read full story

10:24 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Delhi police grants permission to hold protest as 'one-time exemption'

10:17 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Parents of founder Abhijeet Dipke fear arrest

The rapid rise of satirical digital platform 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) on social media has left the parents of its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, worried that their son could land in legal trouble or even face arrest over his political satire content.

Speaking to a Marathi news channel, Dipke's parents Bhagwan Dipke and Anita Dipke, who live in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, said they were deeply anxious about their son’s growing popularity and involvement in political commentary, PTI reported.

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10:01 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomes police nod for CJP protest

09:45 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: CJP spokesperson Saurav Das requests everyone to gather at Jantar Mantar for protest

09:43 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: 'Education Minister must resign. Five students have committed suicide,' says Abhijeet Dipke

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived in Delhi ahead of the group's planned protest at Jantar Mantar and reiterated his demand for the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Speaking after landing in the national capital, Dipke linked his demand to concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and the impact on students.

"Education Minister must resign. Five students have committed suicide," Dipke said.

09:36 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Sonam Wangchuk to join the protest, warns of 42 days hunger strike if founder arrested

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday announced that he would launch a 42-day hunger strike if Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke or other members of the movement are arrested ahead of the group's proposed protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk also confirmed that he would travel from Ladakh to join the demonstration.

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09:27 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Abhijeet Dipke on his way to Jantar Mantar

09:20 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Founder Abhijeet Dipke announces protest to begin at 10 am

Party founder Abhijeet Dipke in a post on X wrote, "All cockroaches should come straight to Jantar Mantar, not Parliament Street Police Station. We will begin our peaceful protest at 10 AM. "

09:06 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest live: 'Cockroaches aa rahe hain, Pradhan jaa rahe hain' - CJP after protest nod

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced that Delhi Police has granted permission for the group's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.

Sharing the update on social media, party said supporters can now head directly to the protest venue and no longer need to accompany him to the Parliament Street Police Station, which was earlier expected to be his first stop after arriving in Delhi.

"Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar. We can now assemble directly at Jantar Mantar, and no longer need to go to the Parliament Street Police Station, as originally planned," party wrote.

In a political message accompanying the announcement, the CJP added: "Cockroaches aa rahe hain, Dharmendra Pradhan jaa rahe hain."

08:50 (IST), Jun, 06

Cockroach Janta Party Protest Live Updates: Delhi police tightens security ahead of CJP demonstration

Security has been stepped up across the national capital ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, with authorities deploying additional personnel at key locations across Delhi.

According to officials, enhanced security arrangements have been put in place at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, border entry points and other sensitive areas in anticipation of possible gatherings linked to the protest.

Police sources said no formal request seeking permission for the demonstration has been received so far. However, security preparations have been made based on inputs gathered through social media monitoring and other intelligence channels.

As a precautionary measure, more than 1,000 police personnel have been earmarked for deployment across New Delhi and other strategic locations to maintain law and order and respond to any emerging situation.

08:34 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: 'Will be a monumental day in Indian politics' - Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka as Dipke lands in Delhi

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, "Yes, Abhijeet (Dipke) has landed. He has also tweeted about it. We are hopeful this will be monumental day in Indian politics. Soon, he will come out, we will go to the police station where he will be seeking permission from Delhi Police and then we will sit at Jantar Mantar."

08:25 (IST), Jun, 06

Watch: Security stepped up ahead of CJP's protest

08:01 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Abhijeet Dipke lands in Delhi, urges supporters to carry tiranga to Jantar Mantar protest

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke landed in Delhi ahead of the group's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.

In a post on X, Dipke urged supporters to maintain the peaceful nature of the movement and asked them to carry books and the national flag while participating in the demonstration.

"Landed. Looking forward to meet you all at Jantar Mantar. Do not forget to carry a book and our Tiranga! Offer flowers to policemen as a gesture of compassion & gratitude. We have to lead this movement with love and peace!" he wrote.

07:42 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Cockroach Janta Party to carry out protest at 9 am

07:24 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Dipke says he is prepared for possible arrest

Ahead of his return to India, Abhijeet Dipke said he believes there is a possibility he could be detained or arrested upon arrival, though he stressed that he remains committed to pursuing the movement through peaceful and constitutional means.

Speaking about the risks involved, Dipke said his family had expressed concerns over the attention surrounding the campaign and the threats he claims to have received. Despite those concerns, he insisted that the protest would remain non-violent and focused on democratic participation.

07:24 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Delhi Police monitoring situation, no permission request yet

Delhi Police are closely monitoring the situation ahead of the proposed June 6 protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar, according to official sources cited by ANI.

However, authorities have confirmed that no formal request for permission has been received so far for the demonstration. Security agencies are assessing potential crowd mobilisation, given the movement’s significant online traction and large-scale digital outreach.

07:23 (IST), Jun, 06

CJP protest: Demonstration built on education grievances, calls for minister's resignation

At the core of the Cockroach Janta Party’s mobilisation is a strong demand for accountability in India’s examination system. The group has called for the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing alleged irregularities in major exams such as NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC GD.

CJP claims that these issues have impacted millions of students and reflect systemic failures in governance and oversight. Founder Abhijeet Dipke has repeatedly argued that the education minister must take moral responsibility for recurring exam-related controversies.

3 More Updates

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The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a viral internet-born movement that has rapidly grown into a youth-led political phenomenon, held a massive protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Founder Abhijeet Dipke landed in Delhi on the day of the protest and reached Jantar Mantar to carry out the demonstration. The protest is centred on allegations of irregularities in major competitive examinations including NEET-UG, CUET, CBSE and SSC GD, with the group demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

After the event, CJP has appointed three spokespersons — Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya and Ashutosh Ranka to coordinate communication and address media queries. The group had issued detailed do’s and don’ts for protesters, emphasising peaceful conduct, discipline and non-provocation.

Dipke has urged supporters not to gather at Delhi airport, citing security concerns, while also expressing apprehension about possible arrest upon his return. Despite this, he has reaffirmed that the movement will remain peaceful and constitutionally compliant.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also participated in the protest and the permission to carry on the protest was granted by Delhi Police as one time exemption.

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