A participant wearing a cockroach mask takes part in a nationwide protest campaign launched by Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, in Pune, India, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahendra Kolhe)
| Photo Credit:
Mahendra Kolhe
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is set to hold a peaceful protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as part of its nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE’s on-screen marking system. Also read | Fixing, not merely reforming, India’s education system is necessaryActor and activist Prakash Raj is expected to participate in the protest, along with actor Kiran Srinivas, wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Krupakar B.S. and Senani Hegde, and environmentalist Nagesh Hegde. Activist Sonam Wangchuk will also be present at the protest, according to CJP’s official social media account. Earlier today, protestors gathered in large numbers at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad to voice their frustration against the NDA government at the Centre. Addressing the gathering, activist Sonam Wangchuk clarified that the agitation is not a bid for political power or to challenge any political outfit, but to raise public awareness and safeguard citizens’ rights.The organisation has already held similar protests in Delhi, Pune, Lucknow and Amritsar.Follow the live updates below:June 14, 2026 16:21 Actor Prakash Raj joins the Cockroach Janta Party protest at Freedom Park Actor Prakash Raj joins the Cockroach Janta Party protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, at Freedom Park.June 14, 2026 16:18 Supporters arrive at Freedom Park for CJP protestAmid tight security, supporters of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have gathered at Freedom Park, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.June 14, 2026 16:09 Prakash Raj, Sonam Wangchuk, among others expected to participate in the protestActor and activist Prakash Raj is expected to participate in the protest, along with actor Kiran Srinivas, wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Krupakar B.S. and Senani Hegde, and environmentalist Nagesh Hegde. Activist Sonam Wangchuk will also be present at the protest, according to CJP’s official social media account.June 14, 2026 15:59 Protesting against “fascist” and “Manuvadi” forces ruling the country, says CJP party membersCJP party members have that said they were protesting not only against the NEET paper leak but also against “fascist” and “Manuvadi” forces ruling the country.- The Hindu BureauJune 14, 2026 15:56 Supporters of CJP arrive at Freedome Park seeking Dharmendra Pradhan's resignationAmid tight security, supporters of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have gathered at Freedom Park, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Among the crowd was a father and his 10-year-old daughter who had come from Mysuru only for the protest. Rahul Dayalu, the father, said he does not want issues like paper leaks and exam irregularities to continue affecting students like his daughter in future. He added that he was at the site also for his niece, who scored 98% in CBSE but was unable to secure an MBBS seat later due to the NEET paper leak.- The Hindu Bureau Published - June 14, 2026 03:55 pm IST
