The Latest Breaking News from Dharmendra Pradhan

India’s cockroach movement: how satire became political power as youth protest forced change

As I strolled around the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory in Delhi on July 28, the atmosphere was finally calm. Jantar Mantar had been the focus of the recent “cockroach” protests, in which tens of thousands took to the streets to push for education reforms in India.

The Conversation · Aug 7

Cockroach Janta Party announces nationwide membership drive, ‘Kya Bolti Public’ campaign to expand grassroots outreach

The Cockroach Janta Party is initiating a nationwide membership drive through its website. This movement aims to address issues like unemployment and institutional trust. The organization will operate as a public pressure group for accountability and reforms. It is also providing legal and medical aid to student protesters. The CJP…

The Economic Times · Aug 6

India's exam worriers become democracy warriors

A reckoning has just played out on the streets of New Delhi and other major Indian cities. Tens of thousands of young Indians rose up against an education system that is failing them, ultimately securing the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan -- a powerful symbolic victory. But the message…

Bangkok Post · Aug 5

AISA's Neha Bora seeks Amit Shah's resignation over July 20 crackdown

AISA president Neha Bora demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation. She cited the July 20 crackdown on anti-paper leak protesters in Delhi. The movement expanded beyond paper leaks to seek accountability for police actions. Protesters alleged excessive force, including pellet guns, during the march. The agitation concluded after education…

The Economic Times · Aug 1

Modi govt assurances, FIRs, and what’s next for CJP | Abhijeet Dipke with Manisha Pande

Days after the Cockroach Janta Party called off its sit-in at Jantar Mantar with Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and assurances from the Narendra Modi government, questions remain about what those assurances are worth.

Newslaundry · Jul 31

Cockroach Janta Party plans nationwide grassroots movement to hold government accountable, says Saurav Das

The Cockroach Janta Party plans a nationwide movement for youth accountability. CJP led India's largest student protests in recent years. They aim to establish a grassroots organization with workers in every district. The movement will focus on issues like unemployment and food security. The CJP also continues to press for…

The Economic Times · Jul 31

As DU reopens, students decode ‘thinly veiled threats’ and Jantar Mantar protests

There were fewer students than usual in Delhi University’s North Campus this week, as most of those who had joined days earlier were attending their orientation. You could find students across Hindu College, the Faculty of Law, Daulat Ram College, St Stephen's College and Hansraj College holding a piece of…

Newslaundry · Jul 30

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke seeks Amit Shah's resignation, alleges home minister ordered July 20 crackdown

Abhijeet Dipke alleged Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered police action against students. He demanded Shah's resignation over the crackdown during a recent protest. Dipke also criticized the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new education minister. He defended the Jantar Mantar agitation as a constitutional fight for rights. The…

The Economic Times · Jul 30

'Rot in India's education system deep; Pradhan's resignation only beginning': Congress

India's education system, according to the Congress party, is riddled with deep-rooted challenges. They assert that the resignation of the education minister is only the first crucial move. Recently, a controversy surrounding engineering entrance exams in Maharashtra has emerged, prompting the party to examine the inconsistencies between exam scores and…

The Economic Times · Jul 30

When cockroaches challenge power

India's Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, was forced to resign last week due to protests that rocked the country resulting from the ministry's decision to cancel administration of the national medical school entrance exam.

Bangkok Post · Jul 29