'Won't Step Back': CJP Founder Returns Home, Gives Centre a Week Before Nationwide Agitation

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke returned to his residence in the MIDC Waluj area on Sunday morning to a family welcome, a day after leading thousands of protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in a demonstration demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national examinations. Within hours of his return, he was back before the cameras, and the ultimatum he carried home was unambiguous.

“The agitation will not stop until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” Dipke told reporters. “We won’t step back till he goes.”

The Jantar Mantar protest on Saturday, the CJP’s first major offline demonstration since its formation on May 16 , drew between 6,000 and 7,000 participants according to party estimates, including school students, NEET aspirants , college-goers and young professionals. Many wore symbolic cockroach masks , while others carried flowers and the national flag .

The movement traces its identity to remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant , who allegedly compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites of society” during a Supreme Court hearing. Dipke reclaimed the term, turning it into both the party’s name and symbol, helping the movement rapidly gather over 22 million social media followers .

Beyond symbolism, the protest centered on a wider list of grievances. The CJP has raised concerns over a series of examination disruptions, including the NEET-UG paper leak , the CBSE on-screen marking controversy , the cancellation of CUET , and irregularities in SSC recruitment tests . For many young participants, the issue reflects a broader breakdown in India’s examination system rather than isolated incidents.

Following the rally, CJP spokespersons issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Centre, either dismiss Dharmendra Pradhan or accept his resignation. Failing that, the party warned of a nationwide agitation across multiple cities. Dipke confirmed on Sunday that a detailed expansion plan is being prepared.

The protest also saw participation from public figures and political groups. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk attended and urged the government to address student concerns. Left parties including CPI(ML) Liberation and CPI , along with Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) , were present, while the Congress stayed away.

Security measures were significant, with over 1,000 police personnel deployed in Delhi , along with additional forces at airports and border points. Police were also stationed outside Dipke’s residence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar .

As of now, Dharmendra Pradhan has not responded with any resignation. The CJP’s deadline has begun counting down, and the movement is preparing for its next phase.