07 June,2026 06:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke (left) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk during a protest at the Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, on Saturday. PIC/PTI
Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the online movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), on Sunday thanked the thousands of people who participated in the group's protest at Jantar Mantar and warned that the agitation would intensify if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was not removed from office or did not resign within seven days.
In a post on X, Dipke described Saturday's demonstration as a "historic" show of strength and said it reflected growing anger among students and young people over issues concerning the education system.
"Yesterday, thousands of us made history. Our peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar showed the government a trailer of what cockroaches are capable of when we unite," he wrote.
Claiming that many of those who attended had never participated in a protest before, Dipke said they found the confidence to voice their concerns through collective action.
"They felt emboldened by our collective presence to express their sheer anger and frustration at the education system," he said, while thanking supporters, including students and children, who attended the demonstration despite the summer heat.
"Change cannot happen if we don't make our voices heard," added Dipke.
Stating that the movement would continue, he accused Pradhan of failing an entire generation and reiterated the group's demand for his resignation.
"If he is not removed or does not step down within the next 7 days, we will be forced to continue our protest on the ground," said Dipke.
Emphasising that the campaign would remain peaceful, he further stated that a united and non-violent movement could not be ignored by the government.
"The government cannot touch a unified, peaceful movement. Us cockroaches don't ever need to fear them," he said.
His remarks came a day after the CJP organised a protest at Jantar Mantar seeking Pradhan's resignation. According to the organisers, the demonstration drew participants from several states and featured speeches by students, educators, and activists critical of the Centre's handling of education-related issues.
Addressing the gathering, Dipke alleged that the education system was failing students and called for accountability from the Union education minister.
The organisers also issued an ultimatum seeking Pradhan's resignation and warned of further protests if their demands were not met.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who attended the protest, expressed support for the demonstrators and urged authorities to listen to the concerns raised by students and young people.
(With PTI inputs)
