25 July,2026 04:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke celebrates after Dharmendra Pradhan`s resignation, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, on Saturday.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday updated its list of demands after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, marking its first demand as fulfilled while asserting that the remaining demands were still pending.
In a post on its official X handle, CJP said its demand list had been updated following Pradhan's resignation, marking its demand for the Union Education Minister to step down as fulfilled. However, it said its other demands - including Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide, withdrawal of action against student protesters, and a public apology from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Delhi Police - remained pending. The party added that protesters at Jantar Mantar and people across the country were still awaiting the fulfilment of the remaining demands.
Addressing reporters and demonstrators at Jantar Mantar shortly after the resignation was announced, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke described the development as a "win for democracy" but said the agitation would continue.
"We have done it! Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. What did they say? That resignations don't happen under this government. We say the world does bow down; it just needs the right people to make it happen," Dipke said.
Holding up a banner carrying photographs of students who allegedly died by suicide following the May 3 NEET (UG) paper leak, he said, "This is for them, for all those students who lost their lives due to Dharmendra Pradhan."
"Pradhan's resignation is proof that if you are not afraid and do not bow down to this government, we can secure the resignation of anyone. There is no need to be afraid. This is democracy, and to hold those in power accountable, we have to raise our voice. They are in power because of us," he added.
Dipke said the protest would not end with the minister's resignation.
"Though Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, we still have more demands. We will not leave just like that. The families of the children who died by suicide should receive compensation of Rs 1 crore. Secondly, action must be taken against those police personnel who acted against protesters during the July 20 Parliament march," he said.
Addressing police officers present at the protest site, Dipke said, "Only one resignation has taken place. Remember, do not mess with cockroaches. We took the blows upon ourselves. The students of this country have shown great courage. All cases registered against students before or after July 20 must be withdrawn. This is how a democracy should function."
Meanwhile, while submitting his resignation, Dharmendra Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to India's youth and education. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support and said stepping down was necessary to protect the integrity of examinations and safeguard the future of students.
Earlier in the day, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that food and water supplies to the protest site were being obstructed.
"Our food and water are being stopped. Is Delhi Police trying to deprive people of food and water? Let the Delhi Police clarify its position. Instead of listening to the demands of the youth, the administration is creating obstacles. This is deeply unfortunate, and we will not accept it," Das said.
He warned that if the situation continued and protesters were "illegally detained", the organisation would hold a peaceful march to the Delhi Police Headquarters followed by a sit-in protest.
"We once again urge the Delhi Police not to deprive people of food and water. Those who wish to come here should not be illegally detained. You cannot stop people from accessing food and water or restrict their movement. Such actions are unconstitutional and illegal. The Delhi Police should stop engaging in illegal actions. This is our immediate demand," Das added.
(With IANS inputs)
