Overnight Sit-In at Jantar Mantar: CJP Leader Abhijeet Dipke Refuses to Vacate, Demands Minister's Resignation
The protest at Jantar Mantar entered its second day on Sunday, with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and his supporters refusing to leave the site despite police orders. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Dipke appealed to citizens to join the gathering on Sunday, specifically asking NEET re-exam aspirants to participate after completing their tests. "We are holding the fort but without your support this movement won't be successful," he said.
Delhi Police had granted permission for the protest only from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and directed protesters to vacate after that deadline, warning of legal action for violating conditions. Dipke responded by asking authorities to assign an alternative site, but insisted the sit-in would continue at Jantar Mantar until then.
Through posts on X, Dipke urged police not to block people from reaching the venue, stating the protesters were merely seeking justice for students who died by suicide. He also requested restoration of water supply to public restrooms, claiming it had been cut off since Saturday night. Protesters earlier alleged lights were switched off and access to food and washrooms restricted, but later said drinking water and lights were restored.
As night fell, the demonstration turned into an overnight sit-in with supporters carrying placards and raising slogans demanding Pradhan's resignation. Dipke continued addressing the gathering, reiterating his openness to dialogue if accountability is fixed and the minister resigns.
The protest began Saturday afternoon under heavy police deployment, CCTV surveillance, barricades, and personnel wearing body cameras. Hundreds of youths responded to Dipke's call to bring "thali and chammach," banging plates and spoons. Dipke has demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the paper leak and exam cancellation. "If there are arrests, I will be the first to court arrest," he told protesters.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest, announced a hunger strike from June 27 if Pradhan does not step down. This marks the second CJP protest at Jantar Mantar over repeated paper leaks and government accountability.
📰 Source: Sahil Online