Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday extended his support to the Cockroach Janta Party protest, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, UBT Chief Thackeray said that he will go to Jantar Mantar and suggested that Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi should also visit the spot where CJP leaders are holding the protest since June 20.
“I will also go. Rahul Gandhi ji should also go. All those who have faith in the country’s youth should go. People across the entire country should come out on the streets and support them,” he said.
Founded by Abhijeet Dipke after the Chief Justice of India’s purported “cockroaches” remark, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called the protest over the alleged NEET paper leak.
The CJP demanded Pradhan’s resignation and an overhaul of the country’s education system.
The protest was joined by renowned scientist and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is sitting on an indefinite hunger strike.
Wangchuk’s health has significantly deteriorated as he reportedly lost around 9 kg of weight. However, the government has not yet reached out or made any visible efforts to end his hunger strike.
While Opposition leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and the Left have supported the protest, the Congress is yet to clarify its stand, even as the party has been raising the issue of the paper leak for long.