Jantar Mantar protest over NEET leak becomes political training ground for volunteers
An ongoing 15-day protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi by the Cockroach Janta Party demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam paper leak has turned into an informal political classroom for its volunteers. Among those participating is 20-year-old Vikas Kumar, who previously moved to Noida for a hardware firm job, and is now using the demonstration to prepare for the launch of his own political party.
The protest, which began after Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived from the United States, has drawn a diverse group of volunteers, artists, and workers. During the late-night hours around 3 a.m. on a Saturday, the protest site remained active with discussions, music, and political organizing, even as prominent figures like activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike, slept on the stage.
For Kumar, who left his supervisor job at a mall in Gurgaon on June 19 to join the agitation, the protest has served as a practical course in politics. Standing at Jantar Mantar with a white kurta and a blue scarf, Kumar shared a crumpled A4 sheet announcing his planned Apna Bharat Sena Party. He revealed that 17 people at the protest site have already joined his party.
Originally from Hajipur in Bihar, Kumar completed a polytechnic course in Ambala, Haryana, before relocating to Noida for work. He emphasized the importance of education for middle and lower-class families, stating that his political aspirations are driven by a desire to raise the voices of those struggling to access higher education. He noted that observing the patient, deep-thinking approach of other educated protesters at the site has helped him learn to make less impulsive decisions.
Other volunteers have traveled long distances to participate in the extended agitation, which began on June 20. Zahid, a 32-year-old construction contractor from Baramulla in Kashmir, traveled for two days to reach Delhi. Serving as a volunteer marshal, Zahid spends his nights serving food and water to supporters, renting a room in Lajpat Nagar only to freshen up in the mornings.
The protest has also attracted support from several prominent public figures, including author Arundhati Roy, CPM leaders Brinda Karat and John Brittas, Swaraj India founder Yogendra Yadav, and AAP leader Sanjay Singh.
For participants like Vinod, a 28-year-old fine arts student at Delhi University, the protest site has fostered deep discussions on the education system. Despite the humid weather and overnight stay on the pavement, volunteers stated that the movement continues to draw young people and students who want to voice their concerns.
