Heavy security was deployed in and around Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP’s) protest entered its 32nd day on Wednesday, with demonstrators continuing to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20. The party is demanding Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. It has also called for reforms to the examination system and action against those responsible for the alleged paper leaks.
Speaking to reporters, CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “This is the biggest movement in India’s post-Independence history…We have made it very clear: what happened on the 20th was just a trailer. If the government does not agree to our demands, millions more will come to Delhi because this time we will neither hold back nor remain silent.”
“The government really needs to get its act together; otherwise, the youth of this country will hold it accountable. A narrative is being built that we will not remain peaceful, but we are. The march on the 20th was peaceful too, but chaos erupted only after the police allegedly used force and beat up students,” he said.
“The youth have been sitting here peacefully for 31 days because we follow the principles of Gandhi and Ambedkar,” he added.
“We have placed a very clear demand, and Abhijeet Dipke has spoken about it. We will not allow any FIR including any future FIR, to be lodged against any protester. The protest will not end until that demand is met. As far as our leadership is concerned, we are not afraid of any FIR. We have been ready from day one to be arrested under the UAPA and the NSA,” the CJP national spokesperson said.
“Jail is a small price to pay for our fight. Regardless of political affiliation, even people from the BJP should come together because this is a massive movement and the demand is genuine. We welcome everyone,” he added.
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing protest, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat Metro stations on Wednesday for security reasons.
“Due to security reasons, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat Metro stations have been closed until further instructions. The interchange facility remains available at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat,” the DMRC said.