The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday said its ultimatum demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is nearing its deadline, warning that the movement will escalate with a large-scale protest in New Delhi on June 20 if no action is taken.
Addressing the media ahead of a planned demonstration in Bengaluru on Sunday, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the campaign was entering a crucial phase after weeks of mobilisations across the country.
“The ultimatum for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is coming to an end. Students and young people across the country have waited for accountability. If the government continues to ignore their concerns, we will take this movement to Delhi on 20 June through a peaceful, democratic and nationwide mobilisation,” Das said.
According to the party, the proposed Delhi protest will seek to bring together students, parents, educators and citizens from different parts of the country to press for accountability and broader reforms in the education sector.
Das claimed that the movement had gained momentum following demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, with participation from students, parents and supporters in several cities. He said the campaign would continue to expand in the coming days.
The CJP spokesperson also alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the movement through misinformation and propaganda. He urged supporters to remain focused on the campaign's objectives and not be influenced by what he described as efforts to discredit the initiative.
“We are receiving inputs about efforts to smear this movement and those associated with it. We urge people not to be distracted by propaganda. This movement belongs to students, parents and ordinary citizens who want a better future for India’s education system,” Das said.
Providing details of Sunday's programme in Bengaluru, Das said the day would begin with a floral tribute to Kannada actor and youth icon Puneeth Rajkumar at 11 am. A public gathering is scheduled to take place later in the day at Freedom Park, where CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, students, parents and representatives of civil society are expected to address participants.
Appealing for public participation, Das called on citizens from Karnataka and neighbouring states to join the protest peacefully and exercise their democratic right to dissent.
He reiterated that the movement would continue to pursue its demands through non-violent and constitutional means.
