BJP Chief’s ‘Puppets’ Swipe at CJP as Protesters Give Education Minister 7-Day Ultimatum

Hours after thousands gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar under the banner of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to protest recent examination controversies, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitin Nabin on Saturday launched a sharp attack on what he described as attempts to influence India’s youth from abroad.

Addressing an ‘Intellectuals Meet’ in Ranchi, Nabin said India’s young population is focused on nation-building and securing its future, while some groups are trying to portray them as anti-establishment.

“Some people sitting abroad think they can dictate the direction of India’s youth. But India’s youth will not move forward as puppets in the hands of a few individuals,” Nabin said.

The BJP leader asserted that the country’s youth believe in constructive engagement and positive politics rather than disruptive campaigns.

“To those who want to drag India’s youth into negative politics, I want to say that our youth will participate in positive politics. Opposition is a part of democracy, but we will not allow democratic standards to be undermined,” he said.

A video of Nabin’s remarks was later shared by the BJP on its official social media handles.

Highlighting the achievements of young Indians, Nabin said the country’s youth are driving innovation and entrepreneurship, pointing to the emergence of nearly two lakh startups across India.

“Our youth are known for innovation and creation. Through their hard work and dedication, around two lakh startups have come up. India is moving towards becoming a global IT hub,” he said.

Drawing a contrast with political movements seen in some neighbouring countries, Nabin argued that Indian youth would continue to contribute to national development in a disciplined and constructive manner.

“The anti-establishment campaigns witnessed in some neighbouring countries cannot represent India’s youth, who are committed to building the nation,” he added.

CJP Demands Education Minister’s Resignation

The BJP’s remarks came amid growing attention around the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led protest movement that has gained traction following alleged comments by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant regarding unemployed youth.

At Saturday’s protest in Delhi, demonstrators demanded accountability over recent examination-related controversies, including the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities linked to CBSE examinations.

In a statement issued after the rally, the CJP called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and gave the government a seven-day deadline to act.

“If we want to reset the education system, it must begin with the removal of the Education Minister. As long as he remains in office, we cannot begin the process of restoring the education system of this country,” the group said.

The organisation warned that if no action is taken within a week, it would expand its agitation nationwide.

“This is the beginning of a movement. If no action is taken within seven days, this movement will spread across the country,” the statement added.

The central government has not yet issued a direct response to the demands raised by the CJP protest.