CJP Supporters Protest At Mumbai Azad Maidan Over NEET And TET Paper Leaks
Hundreds of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters gathered at Azad Maidan, near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, on Thursday to protest against competitive examination irregularities and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstrators also raised concerns over state-level teacher eligibility test leaks and proposed changes to state civil service exams.
The protest, organised on the lines of the Delhi agitation over exam leaks, saw demonstrators assemble under a temporary shed at the ground. Participants expressed their anger over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak and the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, claiming these incidents put the future of students at risk.
Speaking before the demonstration, CJP supporter Pranay Ahire from Wadala stated that the protest was being held in solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk.
"We are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak," Ahire said. "We are also seeking the resignation of the State Education Minister over the TET paper leak because such incidents put the future of students at risk."
In addition to the paper leaks, the protesters strongly opposed the Maharashtra government's decision to transition Group A, B, and C Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) preliminary examinations to an online format starting in 2027. Demonstrators argued that the shift could lead to technical glitches and compromise the transparency of the recruitment process.
The atmosphere at Azad Maidan featured protesters singing songs and reciting poetry from a stage adorned with a portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Several participants also held placards and photographs of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to highlight their demands for accountability.
Organisers had obtained permission from the Azad Maidan Police Station for the one-day protest and expected up to 3,000 people to participate. CJP chief Abhijit Dipke was invited to the event, though his participation was not confirmed at the time of the demonstration.
The protest remained peaceful throughout the day. Police personnel were deployed at the venue to maintain law and order, and authorities reported no untoward incidents.
