Mahua Moitra joins CJP protest, backs call for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on July 3 joined the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, extending support to demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the country's examination system.

Addressing the gathering, Moitra criticised the Union government and accused it of failing students. Referring to Pradhan's birthday, she said, "Celebrate birthdays if you want.

But don't write 'Happy Birthday' on a cake with the blood of our children. You have no right to do that. Don't decorate your celebrations with the sacrifices and suffering of our youth."

The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, has been underway at Jantar Mantar since June 20. Demonstrators have been seeking Pradhan's resignation, citing alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET paper leak controversy, issues related to CBSE's OSM setup and other alleged lapses.

Protesters have also linked their campaign to reports of student suicides connected to examination-related stress.

Moitra is among the first senior Opposition leaders to publicly join the protest. The CJP thanked the TMC MP on social media for supporting the movement and said her address reinforced the group's campaign for accountability in the education sector.

The CJP emerged from a satirical online campaign after remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant during court proceedings referring to the "youth of India" as "cockroaches".

The group subsequently evolved into a protest platform focused on examination reforms and accountability in the education system.

The demonstration has also drawn support from environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28. Wangchuk has demanded reforms in the education system and greater autonomy for Ladakh.