CJP reclaims protest site after Delhi police crackdown; vows to continue agitation until Dharmendra Pradhan quits

New Delhi: A day after Delhi Police cracked down on the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) Sansad Chalo protest, party supporters led by founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday reclaimed the protest site at Jantar Mantar, reiterating their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.

The protest, one of the largest demonstrations witnessed in the national capital in recent years, was dispersed by police on Monday.

The action, carried out amid an internet shutdown in the New Delhi district, left several protesters injured and triggered widespread criticism from the organisers.

As supporters returned to the protest site on Tuesday, Dipke claimed that a female protester injured during the police action was in critical condition at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

“A girl is in critical condition at RML after being injured during the brutal lathi-charge,” Dipke said after meeting the injured protester.

Meanwhile, a CJP delegation comprising Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday and submitted a memorandum seeking the immediate resignation or removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

According to CJP spokesperson Sourav Das, Nadda assured the delegation that the demands would be discussed at the “appropriate level”, but did not make any commitment.

“The demands have been conveyed, including the immediate resignation or sacking of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far. Peaceful protesters will not rest until the demand is met,” Das said.

Separately, activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike, saying the police action against protesters had prompted him to extend the fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet Members of Parliament or he is permitted to do so from the hospital.

The CJP’s protest centres on allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination and demands accountability over the alleged paper leak, with protesters continuing to seek the Education Minister’s resignation.