Raipur, July 24: Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Friday questioned the authenticity of the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, alleging that many participants did not appear to be genuine students.

Speaking about demonstrations taking place in New Delhi and Raipur, Sao claimed the protesters were politically motivated and said students preparing for examinations were focused on their studies.

“The people participating in the agitation do not appear to be real students. They seem to have been sent by political parties. Students who are studying are busy with their education. The delegation has been heard, and everyone should present their views in a disciplined manner,” Sao said.

The CJP has been leading protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and seeking reforms in the examination system following the alleged NEET paper leak. The organisation has accused authorities of failing to ensure transparency and accountability in competitive examinations.

The Centre has initiated talks with CJP representatives while also announcing measures, including a proposed anti-paper leak law and fast-track courts, in response to the controversy.

Separately, Sao dismissed Congress allegations that the BJP’s two-day organisational meeting reflected internal divisions within the party.

Rejecting the criticism, he said Congress was attempting to project its own internal issues onto the BJP.

“Congress should not impose its internal politics on the BJP. Infighting happens in the Congress, whereas regular organisational meetings are a routine part of the BJP’s functioning,” Sao said.

The Congress has recently criticised the BJP over its organisational meetings, alleging factionalism within the ruling party. BJP leaders have rejected those claims, describing the meetings as part of the party’s routine organisational activities.

FAQs

Q1. What did Arun Sao say about the CJP protests?
Arun Sao claimed the protesters did not appear to be genuine students and alleged they were participating at the behest of political parties.

Q2. Why is the CJP protesting?
The Cockroach Janta Party is protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the examination system.

Q3. Where are the CJP protests taking place?
The protests are centred at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with demonstrations also reported in cities including Raipur.

Q4. How did Arun Sao respond to Congress’ criticism of the BJP?
He rejected allegations of factionalism, saying organisational meetings are a normal part of the BJP’s functioning and accusing Congress of projecting its own internal politics onto the BJP.

Q5. Has the Centre responded to the protests?
Yes. The Centre has opened talks with CJP representatives and announced plans for a stronger anti-paper leak law and fast-track courts to deal with examination-related offences.