‘Thanks for Calling Us Cockroaches’: Abhijeet Dipke’s Message to CJI Surya Kant After Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday thanked Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, saying the movement that eventually led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation would never have begun had the Chief Justice not used the word "cockroaches" during a Supreme Court hearing earlier this year.

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar shortly after news of Pradhan's resignation broke, Dipke said, "I would like to thank CJI Surya Kant. If he hadn't called us cockroaches, I wouldn't have come to India. This movement would not have started."

How the 'Cockroach' Movement Began

The origins of the movement date back to a 15 May Supreme Court hearing on the designation of Senior Advocates, during which CJI Surya Kant remarked that there were "youngsters like cockroaches" who were unemployed and had no place in the legal profession. The Chief Justice later clarified that his comments were directed only at holders of fake law degrees and not unemployed youth, stating that his remarks had been widely misinterpreted.

The clarification, however, failed to stem public reaction.

At the time, Abhijeet Dipke, then a Boston-based student and former communications strategist with the Aam Aadmi Party, responded on social media before launching the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on 16 May. The satirical campaign soon gained traction as public anger grew over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities. Dipke later returned to India to lead protests from Jantar Mantar.

Pradhan's Resignation Marks Key Turning Point

The movement consistently demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for alleged failures in handling examination irregularities.

The campaign gained further momentum after educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation with a 26-day hunger strike. Wangchuk ended his fast earlier this week after the Centre provided written assurances, including that no cases would be filed against peaceful protesters, Parliament would consider examination reforms and accountability measures, and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak would be considered.

Despite those assurances, the CJP continued its protest, insisting that Pradhan's resignation remained non-negotiable.

Government Finally Relents

On Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he had taken the decision while "keeping the future of students in mind" and to ensure that "anti-national elements" did not benefit from the ongoing unrest.

The announcement sparked celebrations at Jantar Mantar, with Dipke telling supporters, "We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned," describing the development as a victory achieved through sustained public pressure.