After 36-Day Protest, CJP Calls Off Jantar Mantar Sit-In as Education Minister Resigns Over NEET Leak

New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ended its 36-day-long protest at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, July 25, over the NEET paper leak. The CJP, a youth-led group, had been demanding accountability and reforms in the education system.

In a video released on Sunday, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked supporters for their role in what he termed the party’s “first campaign.” He acknowledged contributions from critics and said he could now sleep peacefully after a long struggle. The protest was called off in “good faith” after the central government agreed to certain demands during the third round of talks with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das announced the withdrawal, stating that the government has agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and assured the withdrawal of FIRs lodged against protesters across India. Das also stressed the implementation of a five-point reform charter submitted by the party, warning that “the youth are watching.” He added that they would meet the new Education Minister, Prahlad Joshi, next month.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest and fasted for 25 days, welcomed the government’s decision but noted that accountability must be followed by educational reforms. Former BJP President Murli Manohar Joshi congratulated the youth for their peaceful movement, saying “better late than never.” Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor remarked that Pradhan’s resignation is an acknowledgment that accountability cannot be evaded indefinitely.

With Pradhan’s resignation, Prahlad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Education Ministry, alongside his existing portfolio of Consumer Affairs. The CJP’s campaign has drawn attention to systemic issues in the examination system and the handling of student grievances.

The protest at Jantar Mantar, which began in June, saw participation from students and activists across the country. Clearance work at the site is now underway. The CJP has stated that it will continue to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreed terms.