Cockroach Janta Party Takes to Jantar Mantar, Calls for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Over NEET Leak

On a breezy morning at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, a group of activists dressed in makeshift cockroach costumes converged on the stone arches, waving placards and chanting slogans. They weren’t just there for theatrical effect – the self‑styled "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) was there to make a very specific demand: the resignation of Union Health Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged leak of the NEET 2024 question paper.

Their protest, which started around 10 a.m., quickly turned into a mixed‑bag of earnest grievances and quirky theatrics. Some participants held up handwritten banners that read, "No cheat, no cheat, no future for a cheat!" while others carried plastic insects, a nod to their party’s name and a subtle jab at what they called the “creeping rot” in the education system.

According to the protesters, the NEET paper – the national entrance exam for medical colleges – was compromised weeks before the official date. Rumours of a leaked PDF circulating on shady online forums have been swirling, and students across the country have taken to social media, demanding an inquiry. The CJP claims that the leak points to a deeper failure in the Ministry’s oversight, and that Pradhan, as the top bureaucrat responsible for health‑related education policies, should bear the brunt of public ire.

"We’re not just angry about a paper. It’s about trust," said Arvind Kumar, a 19‑year‑old engineering student turned protester. "When the very exam that decides your future can be bought or stolen, who’s left to protect us?" His words were met with nods and a few sighs from the gathered crowd.

The protest has also drawn criticism from some quarters. A spokesperson for the Ministry dismissed the allegations as "unsubstantiated" and warned that baseless claims could undermine the credibility of the exam. "We are investigating the matter thoroughly," the official statement read, adding that any proven misconduct would be dealt with according to law.

Nevertheless, the CJP isn’t backing down. Their leader, self‑appointed “Chief Cockroach” Ravi Shankar, addressed the media from the steps of the Jantar Mantar Sun‑Dial. "We may look odd, but our demand is crystal clear – Pradhan must resign, and a transparent, third‑party probe into the NEET leak must be launched immediately," he declared, his voice echoing off the historic monuments.

What makes this protest stand out, besides the costumes, is the timing. The NEET results are slated to be announced in a few weeks, and thousands of aspirants are anxiously awaiting their scores. The fear is that a compromised exam could skew the merit list, potentially affecting admissions to some of India’s most prestigious medical colleges.

Student groups from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata have expressed solidarity, planning parallel sit‑ins in front of their respective state education departments. A petition on Change.org, started by a group of NEET aspirants, has already gathered over 85,000 signatures, calling for "a full, independent inquiry and the resignation of any minister found negligent".

Experts weigh in with mixed opinions. Dr. Seema Rao, a former medical college dean, noted, "Leaks happen in any large‑scale exam; the key is how swiftly and transparently the authorities respond." On the other hand, political analyst Amitabh Sengupta argues that the protest could become a political flashpoint, especially with the upcoming state elections where education reforms are a hot topic.

For now, the Jantar Mantar protest continues. The activists have set up a makeshift shelter, promising to stay until their demands are addressed. Whether the Ministry will concede to a resignation or merely launch an internal probe remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around exam integrity and ministerial accountability has been thrust into the national spotlight, and it isn’t fading anytime soon.