Hundreds of young Indians, many wearing cockroach masks and clutching dog-eared exam guides, converged on Jantar Mantar on Saturday in the Cockroach Janta Party’s first major street demonstration, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET 2026 and other competitive examinations.

A Movement Born From a Judicial Insult

The CJP was founded on May 16 by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist and former AAP social media volunteer, after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites of society.” The name deliberately parodies the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

22 Million Followers, a Few Hundred on the Ground

Within 72 hours of launch, the Instagram account crossed 3 million followers, eventually surpassing 20 million and overtaking the BJP’s own handle. Saturday’s turnout told a more sobering story. Despite the claimed following, the demonstration drew only a modest crowd, exposing the familiar gap between digital enthusiasm and street-level mobilisation.

Wangchuk Joins, Phones Go Missing

Sonam Wangchuk, who described himself as an “honorary cockroach,” addressed the gathering and lent the protest considerable credibility. He said nearly 40 years working to strengthen government schooling in underserved regions had left him convinced that stronger action was now necessary. The protest remained largely peaceful, though at least 93 mobile phones were reportedly stolen during the demonstration.

Seven Days to Act or Face Nationwide Protests

CJP leadership issued a seven-day ultimatum for Pradhan’s removal, warning of coordinated protests across multiple cities if unmet. Whether the movement can convert viral anger into sustained political organisation remains its defining challenge.