Cockroach Janata Party calls for nationwide protest tomorrow against 'police brutality'

In a poster shared on social media, the Cockroach Janata Party appealed to supporters to organise coordinated protests under the slogan, "Every District. One Day. One Demand." It also directed local organisers to coordinate with student unions and civil society groups, obtain the necessary permissions and ensure that all demonstrations remain peaceful.

In Short

• Clashes occurred during 'Chalo Sansad' march, police allege violence; protesters claim excessive force
• Campaign urges peaceful protests in all districts with SOP and memorandum for local organisers
• Centre offers talks without preconditions; CJP demands dialogue at Jantar Mantar or neutral venue

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called for nationwide protests on Friday, July 24 against what it termed "police brutality" during recent demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, urging supporters, student unions and civil society groups to organise peaceful protests in every district even as the Centre stepped up efforts to end the standoff through dialogue.

The call comes after clashes during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi and police action against protesters in several states, incidents that the outfit says have strengthened its resolve to expand the agitation beyond the national capital. While protesters have alleged excessive use of force by security personnel, Delhi Police has maintained that demonstrators turned violent, attacked police personnel and damaged public property during the march.

Launching the campaign under the slogan "Every District. One Day. One Demand.", the CJP urged organisers to coordinate with local student unions and civil society groups, secure necessary permissions and ensure that all demonstrations remain peaceful.

SOLIDARITY WITH INJURED PROTESTERS

As part of the nationwide campaign, the organisation has circulated a standard operating procedure (SOP), campaign material and a memorandum template for local organisers.

According to the guidelines, protesters have been asked to gather at designated locations, publicly read out the students' demands, observe solidarity with those allegedly subjected to police brutality during recent demonstrations and submit memorandums to district authorities.

The move marks a shift in strategy from a Delhi-centric agitation to a coordinated nationwide campaign aimed at keeping pressure on the government over the alleged examination irregularities.

The protests at Jantar Mantar began on June 20 with demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged paper leak. The movement gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and launched an indefinite hunger strike in support of students.

POLICE ACTION BECOMES RALLYING POINT

The nationwide call follows a series of confrontations between protesters and police. On July 20, thousands of demonstrators participating in the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march were stopped by security personnel near Parliament, leading to clashes. Police used tear gas and lathicharge to disperse sections of the crowd after protesters attempted to breach barricades, while authorities alleged that demonstrators resorted to stone-pelting, vandalised public property and injured more than 100 police personnel.

Protesters, on the other hand, accused the police of using excessive force and alleged that several participants suffered serious injuries during the crackdown.

Outside Delhi, police in Patna also used tear gas, water cannons and lathicharge to stop protesters marching towards the Governor's residence, while solidarity demonstrations have since been reported in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa and Rajasthan.

The CJP has repeatedly cited these incidents as evidence of what it calls an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent.

CENTRE RENEWS TALKS OFFER

Even as the protests are set to spread across the country, the Centre has intensified efforts to bring the CJP leadership to the negotiating table.

According to sources, the government is likely to convene a meeting of floor leaders to discuss the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak issue and has informed Opposition parties that it is willing to hold discussions without preconditions such as demands for ministerial resignations.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday reiterated that the government remained open to talks. "Yes, we are ready to talk with CJP," Nadda said, adding that the organisation's representatives could meet him either at his official residence or office.

However, the CJP rejected the invitation for the second consecutive day. "We refused to go to anyone's house or office. The people's court is here. Ministers should come among the people. If they want to talk, it should be held at the Jantar Mantar," CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said.

He added that the organisation would be willing to hold talks at a neutral venue close to the protest site if security concerns were cited.

- Ends