After NEET protest success, CJP eyes grassroots expansion, rules out electoral politics

After spearheading the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is preparing to expand its movement beyond the recent agitation, with its leadership meeting in Maharashtra to chart a long-term strategy.

Founder Abhijeet Dipke, spokespersons Saurav Das and Vaishnavi Gaur, and other core members are holding a two-day meeting to review the Jantar Mantar protest, discuss organisational expansion and formulate the group’s future roadmap.

CJP leaders stressed that the movement is focused on grassroots social change rather than electoral politics. “The answer to people’s pain is not another political party, but an awakening at the grassroots,” spokesperson Saurav Das said, adding that the group would announce its future strategy on August 6.

Dipke said the organisation would consult Gen Z on the issues they want prioritised before deciding its agenda. “The purpose is to build the Cockroach Janta Party’s agenda and discuss how we can take this social movement forward,” he said.

The group also ruled out any immediate plans to contest elections, saying its priority is to build a grassroots network with volunteers across districts and continue raising youth-centric issues, including accountability in governance.

Vaishnavi Gaur criticised the government’s response to recent protests, saying authorities should encourage dialogue rather than “dictation,” while warning that the youth movement would continue if concerns remain unaddressed.

CJP leader Ratna Singh said the movement had resonated beyond major cities, arguing that its impact was felt in villages across the country, even among those who could not participate in the demonstrations.