'Uncles and aunties can keep complaining': Saurav Das on CJP's viral celebration videos

Fresh controversy has erupted after videos allegedly showing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders celebrating at a hotel following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan surfaced on social media. The videos have drawn criticism from political leaders and social media users, with many questioning the timing and nature of the celebrations.

Responding to the backlash, CJP leader Saurav Das defended the videos, saying they reflected the expression and culture of Gen Z. Addressing critics, he remarked that "uncles and aunties can keep complaining," describing the celebrations as part of "Gen Z language" rather than an act of disrespect. His comments have further fuelled debate over the movement's style of political expression and the growing generational divide in public discourse.

The videos surfaced days after the CJP concluded its weeks-long agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. The movement had organised protests across the country demanding accountability, examination reforms and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, who eventually stepped down from the post of Union Education Minister.

The celebrations have been criticised by BJP leaders and several social media users, who argued that the videos appeared insensitive given the unrest surrounding the protests. Some political leaders questioned whether the movement's leadership should have celebrated immediately after the resignation, while supporters of the CJP defended the videos as a symbolic expression of what they viewed as a hard-earned victory after weeks of protests.

The controversy comes as the Centre has moved ahead with major examination reforms, including the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which proposes stricter penalties, faster investigations and special fast-track courts to tackle paper leaks and examination fraud.