MEA has no specific details on foreign funding claims linked to CJP protests
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stated that it does not have any specific information or details to share regarding allegations of foreign funding connected to the ongoing local protests.
Replying to a question, whether the allegations of foreign funding in the ongoing protest is true, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “I have no information to share on this issue with you”.
The remarks come amid intense political and legal scrutiny of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led demonstrations, which began as a youth-driven response to alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive exams such as NEET.
Protesters have been camped at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, systemic reforms in examination processes, and related accountability measures.
The agitation saw a major march toward Parliament on July 20 that resulted in clashes, injuries to security personnel and demonstrators, and subsequent calls for nationwide protests.
BJP leaders, including MP Nishikant Dubey, have alleged that “foreign forces” and anti-national elements have sought to hijack genuine student outrage. References have been made to statements by banned Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other external actors. A public interest litigation filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the protests and alleged foreign funding links is scheduled for hearing, with the petition claiming the events form part of a broader conspiracy involving external financial influence.
CJP organisers have rejected such claims, maintaining that the movement is organic, driven by student and youth contributions, and focused on domestic grievances over unemployment, exam integrity, and governance. The group has continued protests and held talks with government representatives even as the Centre announced measures including fast-track courts for paper-leak cases and a proposed bill for stricter penalties.
The MEA’s measured response underscores that, as of now, the ministry is not in a position to confirm or elaborate on the funding allegations circulating in political discourse and social media. Domestic agencies and the courts are expected to examine the claims further as the protests and related legal proceedings continue.
