News for 'Dharmendra Pradhan'

Pradhan Accuses TMC of Protecting 'Infiltrators' for Votes

Pradhan Accuses TMC of Protecting 'Infiltrators' for Votes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accuses the TMC of objecting to the omission of names from electoral rolls due to fears of losing the 'infiltrator' vote bank in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls.

SC to hear pleas on police excesses on July 27

SC to hear pleas on police excesses on July 27

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two petitions on July 27 concerning alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak. The pleas were mentioned before a bench, highlighting widespread student protests and a recent clash in Delhi where security personnel used force against demonstrators demanding the Union minister's resignation.

Youth Protests And Bollywood-Inspired Posters

Youth Protests And Bollywood-Inspired Posters

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

When humour combines with a good cause.

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained camped at Jantar Mantar following a police crackdown during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Cockroach party protests move to Lucknow; Amritsar, Bengaluru next

Cockroach party protests move to Lucknow; Amritsar, Bengaluru next

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Students and government job aspirants in Lucknow protested alleged examination irregularities, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as part of a nationwide campaign by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

PHOTOS: When 'Cockroaches' hit Delhi streets to protest

PHOTOS: When 'Cockroaches' hit Delhi streets to protest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Here are some of the glimpses of 'cockroaches' from the Janata Mantar protest.

NEET Topper Panshul Bansal: 'Why Protest When You Can Study?'

NEET Topper Panshul Bansal: 'Why Protest When You Can Study?'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Panshul Bansal, who secured All India Rank 2 in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, advised protesting students to 'Don't protest. Go, study,' stating he focused on improving his performance after the original exam was cancelled due to a paper leak.

10 Lessons About Gen Z From The Protests

10 Lessons About Gen Z From The Protests

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The protests changed how we see a generation. It shook us up, broke stereotypes and woke us up to smell the coffee.

Complaint filed over minors' presence at CJP's NEET protest

Complaint filed over minors' presence at CJP's NEET protest

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A Mumbai-based social media influencer has filed a complaint with Indore police, seeking an investigation into the alleged presence of minor boys and girls at a recent student protest in New Delhi. The complaint targets Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and chief spokesperson Saurav Das, among others, for facilitating minors' participation in the NEET paper leak agitation. Police are investigating the matter, which could lead to charges under POCSO, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, IT Act, and Juvenile Justice Act if cognisable offences are found.

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.

Don't Troll Him: Assam CM On Minister's Daughter Joining NEET Protest

Don't Troll Him: Assam CM On Minister's Daughter Joining NEET Protest

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended his Cabinet colleague Keshab Mahanta after Mahanta's daughter joined a protest against NEET exam irregularities, stating that children's actions should not be linked to their parents' political ideologies.

What Modi Must Learn From The British Raj

What Modi Must Learn From The British Raj

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Accept the right to peaceful assembly; reverse the injustice done to crores of voters; punish the man responsible, points out Aakar Patel.

'This is do or die': CJP protesters defy teargas, lathi-charge

'This is do or die': CJP protesters defy teargas, lathi-charge

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Several protesters alleged they were detained or manhandled during the march, with some claiming they suffered injuries.

Sachin Tendulkar supports student protests against exam leaks

Sachin Tendulkar supports student protests against exam leaks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has publicly supported students protesting against repeated exam paper leaks, emphasising the importance of meritocracy and condemning shortcuts. The ongoing protests, which have seen violent clashes, are spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party and Sonam Wangchuk, demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET paper leaks and subsequent student suicides.

'Firmly believe Fadnavis will become PM sooner or later': CM's uncle

'Firmly believe Fadnavis will become PM sooner or later': CM's uncle

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' paternal uncle, Balasaheb Fadnavis, expressed his firm belief that his nephew would "sooner or later" become the Prime Minister of India. This statement comes amidst growing speculation about Devendra Fadnavis' potential shift to national politics, especially following recent political developments and claims by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.

'Don't drag us into this': HC refuses urgent hearing on police violence

'Don't drag us into this': HC refuses urgent hearing on police violence

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court declined to urgently hear a petition regarding alleged excessive force used by city police against students protesting with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during their "Chalo Sansad" march. The CJP accused police of injuring protesters and assaulting activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, a claim denied by Delhi Police.

'They first said they were doctors and took Sonam Wangchuk away'

'They first said they were doctors and took Sonam Wangchuk away'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Amidst escalating tensions at Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike, sparking widespread protests from supporters.

Sonam Wangchuk Shows No Signs Of Ending Fast

Sonam Wangchuk Shows No Signs Of Ending Fast

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Several Opposition leaders, including the Congress' Pawan Khera, showed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar which has entered twentieth, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged NEET examination irregularities.

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its 36-day agitation following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amidst widespread protests over irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak. The government also agreed to the CJP's demands for 1 crore compensation to families of students who died by suicide and no action against protesters.

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government's announcement of a new committee on exam reforms, alleging it is a tactic to divert public attention. The opposition highlighted that recommendations from a previous committee formed in 2024 remain largely unimplemented, while Prime Minister Modi has now constituted another high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to reform NTA examinations.

Memes, Music and Mockery: How Gen Z amplifying CJP protest

Memes, Music and Mockery: How Gen Z amplifying CJP protest

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Gen Z protesters are using memes, music, and sarcastic humour on social media platforms like Instagram and X to demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET question paper leak and other examination irregularities.

How Technology Can End Exam Paper Leaks, Says Nandan Nilekani

How Technology Can End Exam Paper Leaks, Says Nandan Nilekani

Rediff.com6 days ago

Nandan Nilekani, head of the task force on exam reforms, stated on Tuesday that technology and a systematic approach can solve the issue of question paper leaks. He suggested generating exam papers from a large question bank at the last minute to remove economic incentives for leaks and also proposed moving towards computer-based testing.

CJP turns down Nadda's invitation for fresh talks

CJP turns down Nadda's invitation for fresh talks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has again rejected an invitation from Union Minister J P Nadda for talks, insisting that any dialogue with the government must take place at a neutral venue, preferably at their protest site at Jantar Mantar, where they are demanding accountability for the NEET paper 'leak' and the Education Minister's resignation.

CJP to release education manifesto as part of Pune protest, Wangchuk to join

CJP to release education manifesto as part of Pune protest, Wangchuk to join

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has launched a nationwide protest from Pune, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and delays. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is also participating in the peaceful demonstration.

CJP to launch nationwide 'Kya bolti public' campaign to map citizens' issues

CJP to launch nationwide 'Kya bolti public' campaign to map citizens' issues

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced a 'kya bolti public' campaign to connect with citizens across India, understand their issues, and gather public opinion on the country's current situation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke highlighted unemployment, education reforms, and media credibility as key focus areas, also claiming credit for Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation following protests.

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast in presence of Modi's ministers

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast in presence of Modi's ministers

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and conveyed the government's assurances regarding his demands, including not registering cases against peaceful protesters and considering compensation for NEET paper leak victims.

Parl panel seeks legal bar on rallies, processions on crucial exam days

Parl panel seeks legal bar on rallies, processions on crucial exam days

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A Parliamentary panel has recommended that district administrations withhold permission for rallies and public gatherings on competitive examination days to prevent disturbances for candidates. The panel also suggested allowing latecomers to enter exam halls with an undertaking and dedicating a 15-minute window for formalities outside the exam duration.

Delhi traders urge Modi, Rahul, Kejriwal to defer protests till Jan 31

Delhi traders urge Modi, Rahul, Kejriwal to defer protests till Jan 31

Rediff.com2 days ago

Amid the ongoing protests in the national capital, the Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), Delhi Pradesh, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, appealing for political demonstrations in the capital to be postponed until January 31, 2027, citing the festival and wedding season.

INDIA bloc to write to CJI on SIR, seek Pradhan's resignation

INDIA bloc to write to CJI on SIR, seek Pradhan's resignation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met in New Delhi on Monday and decided to write to the chief justice of India on the Special Intesive Revision exercise and "vote loot", besides demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-CBSE row.

Pro-CJP protests in Mumbai, Sena-UBT says FIRs being filed

Pro-CJP protests in Mumbai, Sena-UBT says FIRs being filed

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Mumbai witnessed a second consecutive day of protests by Opposition parties and residents, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET fiasco and condemning the police crackdown on a CJP-led march in Delhi.

Sporting Icons Join Call For Justice In Student Protests

Sporting Icons Join Call For Justice In Student Protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his support for the ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks, characterising it as a "revolt against feeling of suppression in a democracy." His comments follow similar calls from other prominent sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill for lasting solutions. Students are demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured steps to protect student interests amidst the protests, which recently saw a 'Sansad Chalo' march met with police action.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

'End fast, save your strength': Prominent citizens' plea to Wangchuk

'End fast, save your strength': Prominent citizens' plea to Wangchuk

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A group of prominent Indian citizens, including Arundhati Roy and Naseeruddin Shah, have appealed to protesters on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to end their fast due to health concerns, while fully supporting their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged NEET irregularities.

Season 2 of Jantar Mantar to begin very soon: CJP's Dipke

Season 2 of Jantar Mantar to begin very soon: CJP's Dipke

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a 'Season 2 of Jantar Mantar' protest, alleging that the party faced pressure from the ruling BJP, including threats to hall owners, while trying to secure a venue for a volunteers' meeting in Delhi.

MPs were frightened that we might be attacked: Kangana on CJP march

MPs were frightened that we might be attacked: Kangana on CJP march

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut recounted the tense moments inside Parliament during recent protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), where MPs feared being attacked by the "mob". She praised Delhi Police for protecting the public and personnel, while protesters demanded accountability for exam irregularities.

6 detained during CJP protest for 'attempting to create disturbance'

6 detained during CJP protest for 'attempting to create disturbance'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Delhi Police detained six people at Jantar Mantar to prevent clashes during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest, involving hundreds of students and young professionals, demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, including NEET and CUET. Heavy security was deployed to ensure peace.

US lawmakers ask Rubio to question India on CJP protests

US lawmakers ask Rubio to question India on CJP protests

Rediff.com2 days ago

Six US Democratic lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar, have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address alleged excessive force during student protests in India and concerns over voter purges during his upcoming visit. They also accused Indian diplomatic missions of surveillance of protesters in the US and called for investigations into human rights violations and potential arms sales implications.

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The move comes days after the Delhi police said false information linked to the recent students' protest was being circulated through fake social media posts.

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread student protests and allegations of paper leaks, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence has prompted the government to declare its willingness for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on the contentious NEET examination.

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Assam government has decided to withdraw all police cases registered against individuals involved in protests concerning the NEET question paper leak and to release those arrested or detained during these demonstrations, citing the need for systemic reforms in the education ecosystem.