Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the government must remove Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to address examination irregularities [1].
The demand centers on the NEET paper leak and reflects a broader push for accountability regarding youth concerns and the integrity of national testing systems [2].
Ranka said Friday, March 8, 2024, regarding the ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi [1]. He said that removing Dharmendra Pradhan is the strictest action the government can take [1].
The protest movement has seen various forms of escalation. Sonam Wangchuk recently ended a hunger strike that lasted 26 days [2].
Representatives from the CJP held a meeting at the Constitution Club with Union Minister JP Nadda [3]. Reports on the outcome of that meeting vary. Business Standard reported the meeting ended without any outcome, while The Hindu noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a bill for stringent action against paper leaks [3].
Despite the government's legislative proposals, Ranka said the party's position remains firm. "We want to make it very clear that until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, the protest at Jantar Mantar will continue," Ranka said [3].
The CJP maintains that the resignation is the only way to demonstrate the government's seriousness about the irregularities affecting students [2]. Ranka said the protest will continue until the minister resigns [2].
“Removing Dharmendra Pradhan is the strictest action the government can take.”
The CJP's insistence on a ministerial resignation suggests that legislative promises—such as the proposed bill against paper leaks—are insufficient for the protesters. By targeting the Education Minister specifically, the group is attempting to shift the narrative from systemic failure to individual political accountability, utilizing the high visibility of Jantar Mantar to maintain public pressure on the administration.
