Delhi on alert for CJP protest: Police deploys 1,000 personnel; supporters urged to offer flowers

New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a political satire group that has built a large following online, is scheduled to hold its first major ground protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning, focusing on concerns over the country's education system and examination-related controversies.

The demonstration is expected to begin at 9 am in the Parliament Street area. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who is returning from the United States, has said he will reach Delhi in the morning and seek the required police clearance before the protest proceeds.

The group has called on students, parents and young people from across the country to join the gathering, regardless of political affiliation.

Why the protest is being held

CJP has said the protest is aimed at highlighting concerns about the education system, including issues linked to the NEET paper leak controversy and recent CBSE examination-related disputes.

The group has alleged that students are facing uncertainty about their future and has questioned accountability within the education system. It is also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related lapses.

In messages shared online ahead of the event, CJP leaders urged supporters to use the protest to raise their concerns through democratic and peaceful means.

Protest plan and guidelines for participants

According to the group's advisory, participants are expected to assemble near Parliament Street Police Station before moving towards Jantar Mantar.

CJP has repeatedly asked supporters to maintain peace during the demonstration. Participants have been advised to record any untoward incidents and report suspicious activity to police.

The organisation has encouraged attendees to carry the national flag and a book, stay hydrated and avoid confrontations. As part of its guidelines, CJP has even asked supporters to offer flowers to police personnel present at the venue.

Supporters were earlier asked not to gather at the airport for Dipke's arrival after an initial appeal was withdrawn.

Education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has expressed support for the protest, has also urged participants to ensure the gathering remains peaceful.

Support from activists, politicians and public figures

The protest has drawn support from several public figures and political leaders.

Sonam Wangchuk has said he would join the demonstration if the education minister did not step down by June 5. Actor Prakash Raj has also backed the protest and indicated he would try to reach Delhi despite work commitments.

Political support has come from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. Opposition leaders Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad have also previously expressed support for the group.

Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni and advocate Sudhir Jakhar are among others who have backed the planned demonstration.

Police yet to receive permission request

Delhi Police said on Friday that it had not received any formal request from CJP seeking permission for the protest.

Officials said they became aware of the proposed gathering mainly through social media posts and online messages. Police added that any request would be examined if and when it is submitted.

A senior-level review meeting was held ahead of the event, and authorities said the situation was being monitored closely. More than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed across New Delhi as part of security arrangements.

Police said district units have been placed on standby and further decisions will depend on intelligence inputs and developments on the ground. Officials described the situation as evolving and said security measures could be adjusted if required to maintain law and order.