CJP Movement Leaders: Boston Graduate, IITian, JNU Scholar Drive Change

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: What began as satire soon became the face of a big movement. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) quickly grew into a student force, drawing thousands to the streets and many more rallying support online. Not just students, the CJP's voice was also heard by the government, which on Saturday announced that it had agreed to all its demands.

With education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the government agreeing to demands on compensation to the parents of students who died by suicide over the NEET paper leak, and other big demands, the CJP has now called off its 36-day protest.

As the movement comes to an end, here's a look at everyone who shaped it over the past month.

Abhijeet Dipke

No surprises there - It all started with Abhijeet Dipke, who gave the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ life in May this year. The social media account was started as a satire to counter remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who had called the youth of the country “cockroaches.” Here's what the CJP's X account read: "A political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. Secular - Socialist - Democratic - Lazy.”

Dipke was the brains behind this account, which soon gained immense support online, with its followers on Instagram soon surpassing the BJP's on Instagram. This rapid growth was indicative of a larger sentiment among the youth, who felt marginalized and unheard in the political discourse of the country.

Before becoming an icon for students, Dipke was known for his work in digital political messaging, narrative building, and online campaign strategy. He has an undergraduate degree in journalism from Pune and a two-year master’s degree in Public Relations from Boston University. His educational background and expertise in communication positioned him well to lead a movement that relied heavily on social media engagement.

After voicing support for students online for many days, Dipke returned to India last month and led the first CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Similar demonstrations were carried out in other cities, before the CJP began a full-fledged protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, seeking accountability for the NEET-UG paper leak and other exam irregularities. The protests were marked by a sense of urgency, as the NEET paper leak had devastating consequences for many students, leading to anxiety and despair.

“Going to take a nap. See you all in a little while,” Dipke posted on X today, after Pradhan announced his resignation as education minister. This casual remark highlighted the surreal nature of the moment, where a movement driven by serious issues had also become a platform for youthful expression.

Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka

As the CJP movement grew bigger, the outfit announced names of spokespersons and among them were Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The two became a big driving force during the protests and also led negotiations with the government in the days leading up to Pradhan's resignation. Their roles underscored the importance of having articulate and knowledgeable representatives to communicate the movement's objectives effectively.

Saurav Das is an investigative journalist. According to his LinkedIn profile, Das is a graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication and began his professional writing career in 2020. He is also working on a book that “explores how the Indian judiciary has contributed to the nation’s slide into electoral autocracy,” his bio reads. His background in journalism allowed him to frame the issues at stake in a way that resonated with both the public and the media.

Ashutosh Ranka, on the other hand, is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and the London School of Economics. He has served as a consultant for McKinsey & Company in London. His association with leading public movements is not new. Upon his return to India in 2025, he has led several such movements in Jaipur focused on environmental, educational, and youth issues. Ranka's academic credentials and experience in consulting provided him with a strategic mindset, which was crucial in navigating the complexities of the negotiations with the government.

Sonam Wangchuk

What boosted the CJP protest and turned it into a full-blown movement was climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike that began last month. Scores gathered at Jantar Mantar and several prominent Opposition leaders and celebrities also joined in. Wangchuk's involvement brought additional attention and legitimacy to the movement, as he is a well-respected figure in India, known for his innovative approaches to education and sustainability.

Popularly known as the real-life ‘Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 Idiots’, Wangchuk is credited with changing the education landscape of Ladakh. He was born and raised in a tiny village of five households about 70 kms from Leh and later pursued mechanical engineering. His journey from a remote village to becoming a national figure exemplifies the potential of grassroots activism to effect change.

He became the biggest face of the CJP movement with thousands issuing appeals to the government to intervene and agree to the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Amid mass appeals, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after 26 days at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. His decision to end the hunger strike was a significant moment, symbolizing not just a personal sacrifice but also the power of collective action.

The move even triggered a reaction from PM Modi, who said: “I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors' advice and regain her old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Lord that Sonam ji remains healthy.” This comment from the Prime Minister highlighted the impact of Wangchuk’s actions on the national discourse and the government's responsiveness to public pressure.

Neha Bora

Wangchuk was not alone in holding an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. Three students from the All India Students' Association (AISA) also accompanied him. They are: Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Aameen Amitoj. Their strike preceded Wangchuk's. The participation of these students underscored the solidarity among various student groups and the collective frustration with the current educational policies.

Neha Bora is a PhD scholar at JNU. On July 19, she alleged that Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly picked up by cops from Jantar Mantar and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. “I appeal to all of you to come to Jantar Mantar. This movement has not ended, and it will not end until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Please make sure this message reaches everyone,” she had said. Her passionate appeal resonated with many, galvanizing additional support for the movement.

She also celebrated Pradhan's resignation announcement today. “Congratulations on the defeat,” she wrote on X. Her statement reflected the triumph of the collective efforts of the protesters and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

What next for the CJP?

The CJP on Saturday announced that it was withdrawing its protest. The development followed a joint presser with the government in which it was announced that all of the CJP's demands have been accepted. This moment marked a significant victory for the movement, showcasing the power of organized activism and the impact of youth voices in shaping policy decisions.

Here are the three big demands that the government agreed to, according to the CJP:

• Maximum possible compensation for families of NEET paper leak-related suicides.
• All FIRs by Central government and NDA-ruled states will be withdrawn, and no action will be taken against anyone involved in these protests in the future.
• CJP’s 5-point exam reform charter will be considered by the government, and the CJP will meet with the government to discuss these reforms further.

“Go to your home peacefully,” Ranka told protesters during the presser. The two sides will again meet after four weeks to work on broader reforms in the examination system, the CJP said. This scheduled follow-up meeting indicates that the dialogue between the CJP and the government is set to continue, which could lead to further reforms in the educational landscape of India.

The outcome of the CJP movement has broader implications for student activism in India. It highlights the power of social media in mobilizing young people and the importance of addressing their grievances. As the movement wraps up, it may inspire similar initiatives in other areas where youth feel disenfranchised, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the country. The CJP's success could serve as a blueprint for future movements, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement, strategic communication, and solidarity among various groups to effect change.