New Delhi, July 21, 2026: Thousands of protesters returned to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, breathing fresh momentum into the anti-examination reform movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) despite repeated police action, logistical restrictions and attempts to disperse demonstrators.
Addressing the gathering, CJP founder and president Abhijeet Dipke declared that the agitation would continue until the government’s demands were met.
“We will not back down. Our movement will continue as it is,” Dipke told supporters, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The renewed turnout comes just days after Delhi Police dismantled parts of the protest site, removed the stage used for sit-ins and hunger strikes, and imposed restrictions around Jantar Mantar. Protesters allege that authorities also disconnected electricity and water supplies and curtailed access to the venue, although police have denied using excessive force.
Movement Gains Fresh Momentum
Despite the crackdown, protesters began assembling in large numbers from Tuesday morning, with students, job aspirants and youth groups from several states joining the demonstration. Organisers described the turnout as proof that public support for the movement remained strong despite official attempts to weaken it.
The protests have become one of the largest youth-led demonstrations in recent years, centring on alleged irregularities in India’s competitive examination system.
Among the key demands are:
- A comprehensive investigation into NEET and other examination paper leaks.
- Accountability for alleged corruption in recruitment and entrance examinations.
- Justice for students who died by suicide after exam-related stress and irregularities.
- The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Compensation for families affected by examination scandals.
- Structural reforms to restore credibility to India’s examination system.
From Online Satire to Street Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by political strategist and former Aam Aadmi Party volunteer Abhijeet Dipke in May 2026, began as a satirical political movement but rapidly evolved into a nationwide youth campaign.
Its popularity surged after controversial remarks attributed to Chief Justice Surya Kant sparked widespread online debate. Leveraging social media, the organisation transformed digital outrage into a mass street movement that has attracted lakhs of followers across platforms.
READ: PM Modi Breaks Silence on NEET Leak, Calls It a ‘Grave Sin
New Delhi – Abhijit Deepke, founder of Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), has asserted that the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar will continue undeterred.Speaking at the site, Deepke said, “We will not back down. Our movement will continue as it is.”The statement comes amid… pic.twitter.com/u5qiOiZ5qT
— NextMinute News (@nextminutenews7) July 21, 2026
Wangchuk’s Protest Added National Attention
The movement gained nationwide visibility after environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation with an indefinite hunger strike demanding accountability in the education sector.
His subsequent detention and hospitalisation following police intervention further intensified public anger. Dipke himself observed a 48-hour hunger strike in solidarity before ending it on July 20 after appeals from supporters. However, he reiterated that ending his fast did not signal the end of the agitation.
Police Action and Ink Attack Fail to Deter Protesters
The protests have witnessed several dramatic developments over the past week, including a planned march towards Parliament, police barricading, lathi-charge allegations, restrictions on Delhi Metro services and heightened security around central Delhi.
On July 18, Dipke was targeted in an ink-throwing incident while addressing supporters. A woman allegedly threw blue ink at him during his speech, claiming she was protesting remarks she found objectionable. Dipke brushed aside the attack, joking that he accepted it as a “mark of respect,” and resumed his address shortly afterwards.
21st July – 11:30 AM
Jantar Mantar Is Again Packed!
The more you suppress us, the more we will rise!! pic.twitter.com/Braz8nBJ8t
— CJP Updates (@CJP_is_back) July 21, 2026
More Protests Planned
CJP leaders say the agitation is entering a new phase, with larger mobilisations and nationwide demonstrations planned in the coming days if the Centre fails to address their demands.
Authorities continue to maintain heavy security around Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street, urging protesters to remain peaceful.
With thousands once again converging on Jantar Mantar despite repeated restrictions, the movement appears to be gathering renewed momentum, underscoring growing frustration among students and young job seekers over examination integrity, recruitment transparency and educational reforms.
