No Backing Down: CJP Sit In Intensifies as Jantar Mantar Protest Enters Day 3

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke continued his sit-in at Jantar Mantar into a third day on Monday , intensifying his outreach to farmers for solidarity and urging NEET re-exam aspirants to join the agitation after completing their papers. He also reiterated his demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy .

Addressing supporters, Dipke said, “I appeal to farmers across India to come and stand with students at Jantar Mantar,” recalling that students had earlier supported farmers during their protests and arguing that the support should now be returned. He further urged wider public participation, stating that the movement could not succeed without collective backing.

The protest, which began on Saturday afternoon, saw a large turnout of mostly young supporters who responded to Dipke’s call to bring “thali aur chammach” (plates and spoons) and create noise during the demonstration. This act was presented as a symbolic echo of the 2020 Covid era public appeals , with Dipke remarking that if such actions could be used to fight the pandemic, they could also be used to oppose political accountability failures.

The situation turned tense after Delhi Police stated that permission for the gathering had expired at 5 pm on Saturday and directed protesters to vacate the area, warning of legal consequences. Dipke and his core supporters refused to leave, converting the protest into an overnight sit-in vigil that continued through Saturday and Sunday nights, marked by slogans, utensil banging, and a steady inflow of supporters.

Protesters alleged disruptions in basic facilities such as lighting, water, food, and washrooms. While authorities and protesters later confirmed that electricity and drinking water were restored , Dipke claimed that washroom water supply remained affected and demanded immediate resolution. As of Sunday night, neither the Education Ministry nor Dharmendra Pradhan had issued any public response to the resignation demand.

Dipke maintained that the agitation would remain peaceful , stating that dialogue with the Centre would only be possible after accountability was ensured and Pradhan stepped down. He demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged leak and said he would be willing to face arrest if police took action, though no detentions had been reported.

The developments coincided with the rescheduled NEET-UG re-exam , conducted across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres for over 22.79 lakh candidates . Security arrangements included isolating exam personnel from digital devices to prevent leaks. The exam concluded at 5.15 pm, with early feedback describing it as moderate to moderately difficult , while the NTA said it was conducted smoothly.

The protest follows an earlier rally on June 6 that drew around 7,000 participants . Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk , who has joined the sit-in, has announced a hunger strike from June 27 if the resignation demand is not met. The site continues to remain under heavy surveillance, with extensive CCTV monitoring and around 270 body cameras deployed by security personnel.