Protest group demands Modi's resignation over exam paper leaks, activist's removal

New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) escalated its protest over alleged examination paper leaks on Saturday, shifting its demand from the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The escalation came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken from Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.

Speaking exclusively to The Indian Express, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of suppressing a peaceful movement. He alleged that Wangchuk had been 'illegally detained' and vowed to continue his indefinite hunger strike. He also confirmed that the party's planned protest march to Parliament on July 20 would go ahead despite lacking official permission.

The Delhi Police said Wangchuk was removed on the directions of the Delhi High Court and on medical advice due to his deteriorating health. They appealed to protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully.

Dipke explained the broadening of the demand, stating, 'We thought that the Prime Minister would sack Dharmendra Pradhan, but clearly instead of sacking him, they forcibly dragged Sonam Wangchuk, they attacked students. Now it is very clear Narendra Modi doesn't want to sack Dharmendra Pradhan, so he is also responsible for the death of more than 20 students and he is a dictatorial person, and that is why we will demand his resignation.'

The CJP has been leading protests at Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding examination reforms and Pradhan's resignation over repeated paper leak allegations.

During the protest, Dipke was targeted in an ink attack. He viewed it as a sign of the movement's impact, saying, 'Someone just put ink on me. I don't know why they are so scared. But I would say, ink is a sign of bravery, and a sign of how successful this movement has been despite all the attempts.' He added that thousands of people remained at the site and vowed not to back off.

Dipke alleged that Wangchuk was taken against his wishes and said he would not return to the protest stage until the activist was released. 'He wants to come back. So whenever he will be released, he will come back; he has been illegally detained by the administration, and whenever he will come back, only then will I go on the stage; otherwise I will not go on the stage.' He confirmed he would continue his hunger strike even after Wangchuk's return.

Regarding the July 20 march to Parliament, Dipke insisted it would proceed despite uncertainty over official permission. When asked about potential confrontation with police, he questioned the legality of the earlier police action, stating, 'The Delhi Police did not have the permission to take Sonam Wangchuk away. Sonam sir also didn't give his consent. So, how can they do that?' He affirmed, 'It's on, and we will walk to the Parliament.'

The removal of Wangchuk sparked protests by supporters and criticism from several opposition leaders, who accused the government of suppressing dissent.