A protest staged by Cockroach Janta Party demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in Hyderabad on June 14, 2026.
| Photo Credit: G. Ramakrishna
From “Cockroach is the New Tiger” posters to Dakhni slogans and chants demanding accountability, Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Sunday (June 14, 2026) witnessed an unusual blend of satire and dissent, as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.What began as a demonstration over examination irregularities gradually evolved into a wider conversation on educational inequality, democratic freedoms and political accountability, with speakers repeatedly questioning the state of India’s education system and the responsibility of those in power.People started arriving at Dharna Chowk from around 9 a.m., carrying placards demanding Mr. Pradhan’s resignation. Posters reading “Dharmendra Pradhan Resign” competed for attention while volunteers and supporters slowly filled the tent erected at the venue.As the morning progressed, the crowd continued to swell. By noon, the tent had reached capacity, forcing many participants to stand outside while slogans demanding accountability echoed through the protest site. Several banners reflected Hyderabad’s distinctive Dakhni flavour. Among them were “Public Ku Haula Samjhe Kya Miya” and “Baigan Ke Bataan Nakko Karo, Resignation Do”, drawing smiles and applause from the crowd.Among those who had joined the protest was J. Soumyaa, a working professional, said the issue was about demanding responsibility from the government. “It is about time somebody stepped up and asked for accountability. A paper was leaked and lakhs of students suffered. All we are asking is that the government take responsibility and accountability for playing with the future of lakhs of students,” she said.
