Abhijeet Dipke has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking how long the government will ignore voices from Jantar Mantar, as the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest over the NEET-UG paper leak and alleged examination irregularities entered its fifteenth day.
Dipke, founder of the self-styled satirical political movement, has sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that the education system’s credibility has been damaged by repeated allegations of paper leaks, grading failures and administrative lapses. The protest, which began on June 20 at Delhi’s designated demonstration site, has drawn students, youth supporters and civil society voices demanding accountability from the ministry and the National Testing Agency.
The letter to Modi marks a fresh attempt by CJP to shift the agitation from a street protest to a direct political challenge. Dipke’s message asks whether the Prime Minister intends to remain silent while demonstrators continue to sit at Jantar Mantar. The appeal frames the protest as a question of fairness for students rather than a partisan campaign, although the demand for Pradhan’s removal has placed the agitation firmly in the political arena.
The movement has gained wider visibility after environment activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest with an indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk, known for his work in Ladakh and his campaigns on education and climate issues, has been fasting on water and salt. Updates shared by organisers say his weight, blood pressure and sugar levels have declined, intensifying concerns among supporters at the protest site.
Wangchuk’s presence has changed the scale and tone of the agitation. What began as a satirical protest by a youth-led group has turned into a broader platform for anger over the integrity of public examinations. His participation has also brought the protest national attention, particularly because he has previously used hunger strikes to draw focus to governance issues and constitutional demands linked to Ladakh.
The NEET-UG controversy has affected about 2.3 million candidates, making it one of the most sensitive education disputes facing the government. Allegations of a paper leak triggered demands for cancellation, retesting and stronger safeguards. A re-examination process was later conducted under tighter security, with extraordinary steps discussed or deployed to protect question papers and examination logistics. The National Testing Agency has also faced pressure over answer key objections, fee refunds and timelines for the release of results.
For students and parents, the dispute has carried consequences beyond politics. Medical admissions are tied to NEET-UG scores, and any disruption raises anxiety over counselling schedules, seat allocation and academic calendars. The government has maintained that admissions should not be delayed, but the controversy has revived questions about whether centralised testing bodies can protect high-stakes examinations from organised malpractice.
Dipke has sought to capitalise on that unease. CJP presents itself as a voice for students, the unemployed and young people who feel excluded from formal politics. Its use of humour, mock symbolism and internet mobilisation has helped it reach audiences beyond conventional protest circles. At the same time, critics in the ruling establishment have dismissed the group as disruptive and politically motivated, accusing it of trying to exploit a sensitive issue.
Opposition figures have also stepped into the row, backing the demand for accountability and accusing the government of failing students. Their involvement has widened the dispute, but it has also exposed the protest to charges that it is becoming an opposition-backed campaign rather than an independent student-led agitation. CJP leaders have insisted that the core demand remains Pradhan’s resignation and a stronger guarantee that future examinations will be protected from leaks.
The protest has also raised questions about the handling of dissent at Jantar Mantar. Dipke has alleged that some farmer leaders were prevented from joining the agitation, while organisers have complained about restrictions and inadequate facilities. Police and administrative controls at the site are common during demonstrations, but the allegations have added another layer to the confrontation between protesters and the authorities.
