Actor and activist Prakash Raj joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday to support the movement.
His involvement brings high-profile visibility to a growing campaign against alleged examination irregularities. The protest specifically targets the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) row, which has sparked widespread anger among students and educators.
Raj expressed his support for CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke during the demonstration. "We stand by you," Raj said [1].
The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party alleges significant irregularities in the medical entrance examinations, arguing that the current leadership has failed to ensure a fair testing process.
This demonstration is part of a larger, ongoing mobilization at Jantar Mantar that began on June 20 [2]. The movement has seen various activists join the cause to pressure the government for systemic reform in the education sector.
Among the high-profile figures associated with the broader protest is Sonam Wangchuk, who warned of a 42-day hunger strike [3]. Wangchuk's involvement has further amplified the movement's reach, linking educational grievances with wider civic activism.
Raj's decision to join the protest reflects a trend of Indian cinema figures leveraging their public platforms to engage in political activism. By spending time in solidarity with the protesters, Raj signaled a commitment to the CJP's specific demands regarding the education ministry.
“"We stand by you"”
The alignment of celebrity activists like Prakash Raj with the Cockroach Janta Party suggests a broadening of the NEET controversy from a student-led grievance to a wider political movement. By targeting the Education Minister's resignation, the protest seeks a high-level accountability measure rather than simple procedural changes to the exam system.
