22 July,2026 12:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The protest site remained active despite heightened security in central Delhi following Monday`s clashes between demonstrators and police during the CJP`s "Sansad Chalo" march. Pic/AFP
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, with more supporters joining the agitation overnight as the movement over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations entered its second month.
The protest site remained active despite heightened security in central Delhi following Monday's clashes between demonstrators and police during the CJP's "Sansad Chalo" march.
According to the CJP, additional supporters reached Jantar Mantar overnight, while volunteers received food and other supplies from sympathisers to sustain the ongoing protest.
In a post on X on Wednesday morning, the organisation claimed that "thousands and thousands of protesters are at Jantar Mantar this morning" and reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"Why does the Pradhan Mantri (prime minister) love the Mantri Pradhan (Minister Pradhan) more than India's youth?" the post said.
The claim regarding the number of protesters has not been independently verified.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the protest would continue until the Union Education Minister stepped down.
"We will not leave this spot until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. July 20 was a milestone moment in India's political history, especially in post-Independence India. The youth won't stay quiet anymore," he said.
The Centre has not indicated any decision regarding Pradhan's resignation and has maintained that appropriate action has been taken in connection with the alleged examination irregularities.
Late on Tuesday night, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke issued a statement clarifying that the organisation had not called for gatherings at any location other than Jantar Mantar.
"Cockroach Janta Party has not given a call to assemble anywhere but at Jantar Mantar, where our peaceful protest is on," Dipke said.
He further alleged that the organisation had received information suggesting that "some goons" might have been sent to other parts of Delhi to create disturbances.
"They are not with CJP," he added.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
The agitation began on June 20, with protesters demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest has intensified in recent days following clashes with Delhi Police during the July 20 march towards Parliament, after which multiple FIRs were registered and security arrangements across the national capital were strengthened.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest on June 28, has continued his indefinite hunger strike from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after being shifted there from Safdarjung Hospital pursuant to a Delhi High Court order.
Wangchuk has said he will continue his fast until accountability is fixed in the education system or political leaders provide an assurance that the issue will be taken up for discussion in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has maintained a heavy security presence around Jantar Mantar and other key locations in the national capital as the protest continues, while investigations into the violence during Monday's demonstrations remain underway.
(With inputs from PTI)
