TNI Bureau: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday led the much-publicised ‘Cockroach Protest’ at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, drawing more than one thousands of supporters, mostly youths, amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital.

Dipke, who recently arrived from the United States, appealed to supporters to maintain peace during the protest and greet police personnel with flowers as a gesture of respect and gratitude. Participants were also encouraged to carry books and the national flag.

The protest was organised to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations such as NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC. CJP described the demonstration as a peaceful constitutional movement.

Ahead of the protest, Delhi Police tightened security around Jantar Mantar, deploying paramilitary personnel and senior officers to maintain law and order. Authorities also monitored social media activity and transportation routes leading to the protest venue.

The protest received support from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who reportedly said he would undertake a six-week fast if Dipke was arrested. Delhi Police had granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.