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June 6, 2026e-Paper
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June 6, 2026e-Paper
Updated – June 06, 2026 07:20 pm IST
A Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporter during a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related lapses at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 06, 2026. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
School students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants and parents were among those who gathered at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on Saturday (June 6, 2026) for a protest organised by the supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with many saying concerns over the education system had brought them to the demonstration.
Also read | Interpreting the ‘rise’ of the Cockroach Janta Party
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the online movement CJP, criticised the government for focusing on the organisation’s social media activity rather than addressing their demands, which include Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests.
The protest ended peacefully. Six people were detained by the Delhi Police to prevent a possible confrontation between two groups during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, officials said.
(With PTI inputs)
The Congress on Saturday (June 6, 2026) said Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must take responsibility for the lapses in CBSE on-screen marking (OSM), calling his continuation in office an insult to lakhs of students and their families.
Pradhan’s continuation in office only speaks of his desire for power, the Congress remarked and accused him of being “incompetent” in running a “compromised ministry”.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said after weeks of denying any wrongdoing and claiming that all is well with its COEMPT’s On Mark portal, the CBSE has finally been forced to acknowledge COEMPT’s incompetence.
– PTI
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam on Friday (June 6, 2026) condemned the alleged RSS attack on party national secretary Annie Raja and other leaders during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in New Delhi and called for branch-level demonstrations across Kerala in protest.
In a statement, Mr. Viswam said that the attack on Ms. Raja, National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) general secretary Nisha Sidhu and other leaders while expressing solidarity with the CJP activists protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against alleged examination irregularities was shocking.
Alleging that the Centre was attempting to suppress protests instead of acting against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the examination scam allegations, Mr. Viswam said such actions would not be forgiven by the people.
– PTI
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, today, said the Centre must listen to the youth who are protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam-related lapses and should not underestimate them.
In a post on Facebook, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut put out Mr. Thackeray’s message which said youth are the future of the country and they are protesting in scorching heat. It is improper to deny them justice and address them as “cockroach”.
The NEET paper leak has destroyed lives of lakhs of youth and they are protesting, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said.
“The government has to listen the voice of youth and should not underestimate the cockroach. The is the signal given by the protestors at Jantar Mantar,” Mr. Thackeray said.
The protest by the members and the followers of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) that took place at Jantar Mantar today has concluded.
School students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents were among those who gathered at Jantar Mantar today for a protest organised by the supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with many saying concerns over the education system had brought them to the demonstration.
The crowds that started assembling from today morning, kept swelling through the day.
Several participants who spoke to PTI said recurring controversies around examinations, uncertainty over results and a lack of accountability from authorities have shaken their confidence in the system. Some also expressed disappointment with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well as the opposition parties, saying issues affecting young people are not receiving adequate attention.
– PTI
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), shares visuals from the protest hapenning at Jantar Mantar.
NCP (SP) general secretary Rohit Pawar today extended support to the agitation led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in the NEET and CBSE examinations.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the online movement, participated in a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi today, which was held under heavy security and joined by scores of youth.
In a statement, Mr. Pawar said the overwhelming response to the protest reflected growing resentment among the country’s youth against the Centre’s policies and the alleged mismanagement of key examinations.
“The unprecedented participation of young people in the agitation shows the simmering discontent among the youth. The irregularities in the NEET and CBSE examinations, along with several wrong policies of the Central government, have directly affected the younger generation and triggered widespread anger,” he said.
– PTI
Six people were detained by the Delhi Police today to prevent a possible confrontation between two groups during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, officials said.
The detentions were made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order after police received inputs about the possibility of tensions between supporters and opposers of the online movement, they said.
Officials noted that the preventive detentions were made to help ensure the demonstration concluded peacefully without any major law-and-order issues.
Officials stated that the six individuals were taken into preventive custody when they were found attempting to create a disturbance near the protest site. Fortunately, the situation remained under control, and no incidents were reported.
– PTI
Hundreds of young students gathered in New Delhi today for the first street protest by the satirical Cockroach Janata Party over alleged irregularities in recent major examinations.
Carrying paper cockroach masks and pamphlets, the protesters called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who has faced criticism over the irregularities, including question paper leaks and technical glitches.
“We want accountability from the government,” Utkarsh Raj, a medical college aspirant, told AFP at the protest site, which was watched closely by police officers in riot gear.
“How is it that exam papers get leaked in this country? How is this right?” added Mr. Raj, 16.
– AFP
Sonam Wangchuk is seen along with the members and the supporters of Cockroach Janta Party during the protest at Jantar Mantar.
WhatsApp Image 2026-06-06 at 14.51.38.jpeg
Security was heightened across the national capital in anticipation of the protest. Police officials stated that additional personnel had been deployed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, border entry points, and other sensitive locations.
More than 1,000 police personnel have been allocated for deployment throughout New Delhi and other strategic locations as a precaution.
In the run-up to the protest, the CJP had circulated guidelines urging participants to maintain non-violent conduct and avoid confrontation. Abhijeet Dipke’s latest appeal reiterated those instructions, emphasising respectful engagement with law enforcement personnel during the demonstration.
– PTI
Abhijeet Dipke, recalling his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport that morning, said that just before his flight was about to land, he felt as though he was living his last moments of freedom. “I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause,” he said.
The CJP founder claimed that many people have compromised themselves and ‘sold out’ due to the fear of imprisonment. “ Lekin is desh ka chatra, yuva nahi bika hai (The youth and students of this country have not sold themselves),” he said amid loud cheers from the crowd.
Hundreds of people, mostly young individuals, turned out for the demonstration, many of whom were wearing cockroach masks and holding flowers. School students were also seen attending the protest along with their parents.
– PTI
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has also expressed support for the protest, stated that he would undertake a six-week fast if Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical online “Cockroach Janta Party”, is arrested.
Mr. Dipke, who arrived in Delhi early in the day, had urged supporters to maintain discipline and ensure that the protest remains peaceful.
The majority of participants were a mix of school and college students, along with young professionals.
Scores of students gathered at the venue, chanting slogans and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. – PTI
Sonam Wangchuk arrives at Jantar Mantar to join the Cockroach Janta Party protest.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related lapses.
– Vijaita Singh
Sonam Wangchuk has arrived at the Cockroach Janata Party protest happening at Jantar Mantar.
– Vijaita Singh
Sonam Wangchuk is on his way to Jantar Mantar from the Delhi airport.
– Vijaita Singh.
Drone hovers over as demonstrators display ‘peaceful protest’ banner at the Cockroach Janta Party protest in Jantar Mantar.
Cockroach Janta Party supporters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related lapses.
– Vijaita Singh
A large banner asking for the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been brought to Jantar Mantar during the protest of the Cockroach Janta Party, reports Vijaita Singh.
A large banner containing the words “peaceful protest” and also asking for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan has been brought to Jantar Mantar.
A large banner containing the words “peaceful protest” and also asking for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan has been brought to Jantar Mantar during the protest on June 6, 2026. Photo: Vijaita Singh
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the online movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), criticised the government for focusing on the organisation’s social media activity rather than addressing their demands, which include Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests.
Dipke participated in a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi today, which was held under heavy security and joined by scores of youth.
“My friends, this is a long struggle. It has been a month since we started demanding Pradhan’s resignation on social media, but these individuals are so shameless that instead of taking action, they have been focused on other distractions, like hacking our accounts and getting our posts deleted. You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space,” Mr. Dipke stated during his address to the crowd, which energetically supported his words.
– PTI
In May 2026, Cockroach Janta Party’s founder Abhijeet Dipke sat with The Hindu for an exclusive interview, explaining what drove him to launch the online outfit.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke was seen taking part in the protest under way at Jantar Mantar
A brief moment of chaos ensued at the protest site in Jantar Mantar, Delhi as some men were detained for raising slogans against Cockroach Janta Party protestors
Police have stepped up security at the residence of Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the online movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), in Waluj MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city in Maharashtra, an officer said.
He said the security cover has been expanded to avoid unnecessary crowding as Mr. Dipke arrives in India.
“If there is a need to deploy more manpower, we will do so after a review,” said DCP (Zone 1) Pankaj Atulkar.
He said Mr. Dipke’s parents are not currently staying at their house in the Waluj area. “They are not in contact with me,” he said, while refusing to share further details.
– PTI
“Why is the government so scared of cockroaches? But this dictatorial behaviour is opening the eyes of India’s youth. Our only crime is [that] we were demanding a better future for ourselves. But you can’t get rid of us that easily. We’re working on a new home right now. Cockroaches never die,” Mr. Dipke had said in anX post on the takedown of the CJP’s website
Photo: Aroon Deep
Visuals emerge from the protest under way at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where people can be seen sloganeering for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
On May 16, 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke posted a Google form on X inviting people to register for the “Cockroach Janta Party” — a satirical political outfit born a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant drew criticism over his “cockroach” remark.
Click below to know more about Abhijeet Dipke…
Explore Abhijeet Dipke's Cockroach Janta Party, a viral movement merging satire and youth frustration against India's political system.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party have begun to assemble at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, after the police granted them permission to protest at the site.
Ahead of the protest at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was seen at the New Delhi airport, after he arrived from the United States.
In a post on X, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said that the police has granted permission to protest at Jantar Mantar.
– Aroon Deep
What makes the CJP interesting is its popularity and connect among India’s Gen Z. Can it develop into a platform that gives voice to the grievances of India’s youth? Is it a flash in the pan? Can it make a political impact?
The Hindu speaks with the man behind the CJP phenomenon, Abhijeet Dipke. Listen below:
Abhijeet Dipke, a student of public relations in the US, woke up from uneasy dreams one morning and found himself transformed into a ‘gigantic cockroach’. He then founded the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), as a joke. But it quickly acquired a momentum of its own. In less than four days, it notched up more than 1.6 lakh members and 2 million followers on Instagram. What makes the CJP interesting is its popularity and connect among India’s Gen Z. Can it develop into a platform that gives voice to the grievances of India’s youth? Is it a flash in the pan? Can it make a political impact? We speak with the man behind the CJP phenomenon, Abhijeet Dipke.
Ahead of the planned protest at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party’s digital outfit spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said that the outfit is hopeful that “this will be monumental day in Indian politics.”
On the first day of The Hindu Huddle 2026, held at Bengaluru, attendees expressed what they thought of the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’.
Watch below:
After landing in Delhi, Abhijeet Dipke is headed to Sansad Marg police station to seek permission for a protest demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation shortly.
– Aroon Deep
Latest visuals from Jantar Mantar show heightened security measures in the area.
Cockroach Janta Party’s founder Abhijeet Dipke landed in Delhi a short while ago, and took to posting on X, ahead of the planned protest.
“Looking forward to meet you all at Jantar Mantar. Do not forget to carry a book and our Tiranga!” he said.
Security was intensified across Delhi on Saturday (June 6, 2026), with police deploying additional personnel at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, border entry points, and other sensitive locations ahead of a proposed protest call by the digital outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), officials said.
Police teams have also been deployed at key intersections, marketplaces, and other sensitive locations to maintain law and order, they said.
Multiple layers of barricades have been put up outside the international airport precinct as part of heightened security measures, while vehicle-checking drives have been intensified at border points and on major routes leading to central Delhi, officials said.
– PTI
Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s proposed protest in Delhi on June 6, party founder Abhijeet Dipke’s friends and acquaintances here feel the agitation called by him is for a serious cause and it should not go off track.
They also want the government to cooperate with the protesters.
Talking about Mr. Dipke’s proposed agitation, his friend Usman Shaikh from Santuk Pimpri village said he wants the protest to pass off peacefully.
‘’Although Abhijeet did not live in the village much, we used to spend time together whenever he came here during vacations. He has called for an agitation for a cause. As a friend, I expect that the agitation should go off peacefully and the government should also co-operate,” he told PTI.
Vijay Puri, sarpanch of Santuk Pimpri village and a relative of Dipke, said the agitation is undertaken for the issues that have affected the people nationwide.
– PTI
Ahead of the planned protest, Delhi police has beefed up security arrangements in an around the Jantar Mantar area in Delhi:
The Delhi Police has not received any request for permission from digital outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding its proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday (June 6, 2026), even as more than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed in New Delhi, an official said.
“We will examine their request if and when they seek permission,” a senior police officer told PTI.
Police sources said they learnt about the proposed protest primarily through social media posts and messages circulating online, and added that they have yet to receive any formal communication from the Abhijeet Dipke-led outfit.
Police said they are closely monitoring the situation and making preliminary security arrangements in view of the proposed gathering.
– PTI
Published – June 06, 2026 07:21 am IST
demonstration / politics / Live news / political development / Delhi / India / Cockroach Janta Party
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