CJP protest at Jantar Mantar fizzles out without impact
Despite the buzz across India, the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday turned out to be just another routine demonstration, a damp squib amid high expectations. Participants held placards and slogans demanding azadi and condemning paper leaks, as well as placards criticising the Government and the education minister. Some banners pointed out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from press conferences. In contrast, others questioned the Government’s response to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur between the Kuki and Meitei communities.
The protest felt like a typical left-wing rally, familiar to Delhi residents, marked by azadi slogans commonly chanted by leftist student unions. Even the few genuine students present, hoping their voices would be heard, left disappointed. Attendees sported cockroach masks, carried flowers, and included schoolchildren accompanied by their parents.
Earlier, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the online movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), issued an ultimatum to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, demanding his resignation by 5 pm and warning of a nationwide mobilisation, including a major protest scheduled for June 13 at the same venue if the minister refuses to step down.
Dipke, the rally’s organiser, arrived from the US early on Saturday morning. After obtaining police approval, he reached Jantar Mantar, where supporters had gathered since dawn. He appealed for peaceful conduct, encouraging supporters to bring books and national flags, and to offer flowers to police officers as a sign of compassion and gratitude. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined him, along with leaders from CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI, and various leftist youth and student organisations.
Reflecting on his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Dipke shared that just before landing, he felt as if he were experiencing his last moments of freedom, ready to sacrifice everything for his cause. He accused many of compromising themselves out of fear of imprisonment. Still, he declared, ‘Lekin is desh ka chatra, yuva nahi bika hai’, the youth and students of this country have not sold out, eliciting loud cheers.
Wangchuk praised the youngsters’ peaceful protest and expressed hope that future demonstrations would be allowed to flourish. Calling Dipke the “Cockroach-in-Chief,” Wangchuk commended the protesters for their resilience, noting they didn’t sit at home crying or create chaos on the streets.
The protest concluded around 3:30 pm when Dipke left Delhi to meet his parents, feeling unwell. Before departing, he warned that today’s demonstration was just a trailer for what’s to come. In a social media post on X, Dipke shared that he was returning home to see his parents, who had suffered and left their house due to threats, and promised more protests ahead.