New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the group referred to as the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), describing it as a “B-team of disruptive forces” and alleging that it was acting on behalf of elements rejected by voters.
Speaking during a media interaction, Pradhan claimed that those associated with the movement were attempting to target institutions and create disruption under a different guise.
“They are the B-team of disruptive forces. Those who have been rejected in a democracy have returned in a different form and are now targeting the system. They raise slogans for people who want to divide the country. Their identity has been exposed,” Pradhan said.
The remarks came a day after the NEET re-examination was conducted across the country. More than 20 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the test, which was held a month after the original examination was cancelled amid allegations of a question paper leak.
The controversy had triggered protests in several parts of the country, with CJP emerging as one of the groups demanding accountability and seeking the resignation of the Education Minister.
The re-examination was conducted under extensive security arrangements, including deployment of armed forces personnel, state police units and senior officials tasked with monitoring the process. According to the National Testing Agency, all necessary measures were taken to ensure a fair and transparent examination environment.
Pradhan described the re-examination as successful and said efforts had been made to restore confidence among students and parents following concerns raised by the alleged leak.
Referring to those accused of involvement in the paper leak, the minister said the role of certain teachers had been particularly disturbing.
“Protectors who turned predators” had compromised the integrity of an examination that determines the future of millions of students every year, he said, underlining the seriousness of the alleged breach.
The minister reiterated that strict action would be taken against all those found responsible for irregularities and said the government remained committed to safeguarding the credibility of national-level examinations.
