Protesters Demand Pradhan's Resignation, Want Sonam Wangchuk as Education Minister; 6 detained

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, is underway as demonstrators demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak and broader concerns regarding the education system.

Amid the protest, a purported video of CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das has gone viral on social media. The clip appears to show Das sitting among supporters, sipping from a paper cup while a man standing behind him fans him with what looks like a poster. The video quickly drew criticism online, with several users accusing him of enjoying privileges while advocating for equality and social justice.

One user wrote, "Look at this video... CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das has brought a servant along just to fan him because it's too hot outside. These are the same people who claim to be fighting for equality and social justice." Another commented, "CJP spokesperson Saurav Das having an elderly poor man fan ventilating for him and cold coffee served, this is how much these brats care about poor people." Others mocked the scene, alleging that Das was receiving "royal treatment" while participating in a protest.

The viral clip was also shared by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) secretary Tajinder Bagga, who wrote, "CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das enjoying royal treatment as his spot boy fans him by hand and serves him juice."

Meanwhile, educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest at Jantar Mantar and expressed support for the demonstrators. Addressing the gathering, Wangchuk urged the government to address students' grievances and reform the existing education system.

"I don't like protests, but we have to do it for justice," he said, while backing the demands raised by the protesters.

Speaking at the event, Abhijeet Dipke said his mother feared he could be jailed for speaking out against the government. He questioned how long citizens would continue to live in fear while raising concerns about issues affecting students across the country.

Later, Dipke left the protest site after addressing supporters, while the demonstration continued at Jantar Mantar with participants reiterating their demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and accountability over alleged examination irregularities.

Six people were detained by the Delhi Police on Saturday to prevent a possible confrontation between two groups during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, officials said.

The detentions were made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order after police received inputs about the possibility of tensions between supporters and opposers of the online movement, they said.

Officials noted that the preventive detentions were made to help ensure the demonstration concluded peacefully without any major law-and-order issues.

Officials stated that the six individuals were taken into preventive custody when they were found attempting to create a disturbance near the protest site. Fortunately, the situation remained under control, and no incidents were reported.

A heavy security presence is being maintained at Jantar Mantar and other key locations in the national capital. More than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed across New Delhi district and other sensitive areas, while additional security arrangements have been made at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and border entry points.

Senior police officers are monitoring the situation on the ground, and barricades have been erected around the protest site to regulate the movement of participants and ensure separation between rival groups.