New Delhi: Delhi Police detained six individuals on Saturday as a preventive measure during the inaugural public protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, amid concerns over possible clashes between rival groups.
The detentions followed intelligence inputs indicating that tensions could erupt between supporters and opponents of the demonstration. Police officials said the six individuals were taken into custody after allegedly attempting to disrupt the event, which drew hundreds of participants from across the country.
मेरी माँ को बहुत डर था की मुझे ये सरकार जेल में डाल देगी। इस देश में उस हर माँ को ये डर होता है जब उनका बच्चा इस सरकार के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठाता है।
कब तक हम इस सरकार से डर कर जियेंगे? #cjpprotest pic.twitter.com/evleZtL2M6
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) June 6, 2026
Tight Security Around Protest Venue
Authorities had granted permission for the protest but deployed additional security personnel at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations across the national capital to ensure the gathering remained peaceful.
The event marked the first major street mobilisation by the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical campaign that gained popularity online through its sharp criticism of governance issues and engagement with young social media users.
Abhijeet Dipke Leads Ground Campaign
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who is based in the United States, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning and proceeded directly to the protest venue. His appearance was welcomed by supporters seeking to transform the movement’s online momentum into an organised public campaign.
Hundreds of demonstrators participated in the programme, raising slogans and calling for accountability over examination-related controversies.
Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
At the centre of the protest was a demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged administrative failures linked to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and other examination-related issues.
Participants argued that recurring irregularities in competitive examinations have eroded public confidence and affected the future of millions of students.
Sonam Wangchuk Adds Weight to Movement
The demonstration received a significant boost with the participation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who travelled from Ladakh to join the gathering.
Wangchuk, who had earlier expressed solidarity with the campaign, reiterated his support for the protesters. His presence drew considerable attention and added momentum to the event, which organisers described as the beginning of a broader public movement.
The activist had previously stated that he would stand by the protesters and had even warned of launching a hunger strike if participants were detained during the demonstration.
From Online Satire to Street Politics
The Cockroach Janta Party emerged as a social media-driven satirical campaign known for using humour and digital activism to challenge public policy decisions and governance issues.
The movement first gained visibility following a controversy surrounding remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant regarding unemployed youth. Since then, it has attracted a growing following among young internet users.
Saturday’s protest represented the campaign’s most significant attempt yet to convert its online popularity into real-world political mobilisation, signalling a new phase in its evolution from digital satire to public activism.
HUGE 🚨 CJP leaders face protest at Jantar Mantar 😳
UNPRECEDENTED 🔥🔥
GENZ : You yourself are sitting under a tree, enjoying cold coffee. One person is even continuously fanning you.
CJP LEADER : Who? What? 🤯
GENZ : And you have left us to protest under the scorching sun.… https://t.co/8UbFczHion pic.twitter.com/vgKJ4sKlSw
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) June 6, 2026
Dissent Within Protest Over Leadership Conduct
Amid the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, a small group of protesters also voiced dissatisfaction with the conduct of some Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders.
A few participants alleged that while ordinary protesters were standing and marching under the scorching Delhi sun, some leaders were sitting comfortably under a tree and enjoying cold drinks. The protesters claimed that the leadership should have shared the same hardships as those who had gathered to support the movement.
The criticism led to brief arguments among participants, though the situation remained largely peaceful. Some protesters said that a movement seeking accountability from those in power must also be prepared to face scrutiny from its own supporters.
CJP leaders did not immediately respond to the allegations. However, the episode highlighted emerging concerns among a section of participants regarding the organisation and leadership of the campaign’s first major public mobilisation.
