Water, Power Cut at Jantar Mantar Protest Site, Alleges Group Demanding Minister's Resignation
New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a protest group demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleged on Sunday that authorities had cut off water and electricity at the Jantar Mantar protest site. The demonstration, which began on Saturday, has continued beyond the permitted hours, drawing a large number of participants.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke posted on X: "I request the authorities not to cut off the water supply to the restrooms at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Since last night there's no water supply at the public restrooms." He also alleged that the Delhi Police had switched off lights at the site and restricted access to food and washrooms.
The protest is the second organised by the CJP at Jantar Mantar over issues related to the NEET-UG examination. The group has been demanding accountability from the government over examination-related controversies, including alleged irregularities and student suicides.
Dipke appealed to the police not to prevent people from joining the protest. "We are not doing anything wrong, we are just seeking justice for the students who committed suicide," he wrote on X.
The protest occurred as the NEET-UG re-examination was conducted across the country on Sunday, with over 22.79 lakh candidates appearing at 5,440 centres in India and 14 abroad. Dipke extended his best wishes to exam takers and invited them to join the protest after their tests.
The CJP also targeted Minister Pradhan in a social media post, stating: "Dharmendra Pradhan is sleeping peacefully in his lavish government residence - 12 children have committed suicide, but it makes no difference to him. But for the youth protesting against him, there isn't even water in the bathroom. Resign, Dharmendra Pradhan!"
Delhi Police has maintained that the demonstration was only permitted between 10 am and 5 pm and warned organisers of possible legal action for continuing beyond the approved hours. The protesters have vowed to continue until the minister steps down.
