Thali and Chammach’ in Hand, Students Gather in Delhi as Protest Against NEET Leak Grows Louder
New Delhi , June 20 : A symbolic and emotionally charged protest unfolded in New Delhi on Saturday as members of the Cockroach Janta Party gathered at Jantar Mantar carrying plates and spoons — a move that many see as a direct reminder of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 Covid-era appeal to bang utensils in solidarity with frontline workers.
This time, however, the sound of “thali and chammach” carried a different message — anger, frustration, and a demand for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the growing distress among students.
The protest, led by activist Abhijeet Dipke, is the second major demonstration by the group this month. Ahead of the protest, Dipke asked supporters in a video message to bring plates and spoons, saying, “You know the rest of the story,” hinting at the symbolic connection to the 2020 Janata Curfew moment.
At the heart of the protest is one key demand — the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters accuse the government of failing to prevent exam paper leaks and mishandling the NEET controversy, which has shaken the trust of millions of students preparing for competitive exams.
Dipke also criticised the government’s decision to temporarily block Telegram ahead of the NEET retest, arguing that banning an app does not fix the actual problem. He compared it to shutting a road because of potholes instead of repairing it — a remark that quickly gained attention.
Beyond exam irregularities, Dipke raised serious concerns about student mental health. In an emotional letter to PM Modi, he urged the government to provide ₹1 crore compensation to families of students who allegedly died by suicide amid the ongoing exam crisis. He claimed 11 students had taken their lives in recent weeks, highlighting the immense emotional burden that repeated leaks, re-tests, and uncertainty have placed on young aspirants.
He also sharply criticised political leaders for, in his words, being more focused on power struggles than helping struggling students and their families. Referring to recent political developments in Maharashtra, Dipke questioned why leaders could mobilise resources for political battles but not for students in crisis.
The protest at Jantar Mantar is expected to draw students not only from Delhi but also from neighbouring states, showing how widespread the anger has become. Security has been tightened, with police deploying CCTV cameras and barricades to keep the demonstration under control.
What makes this protest stand out is its symbolism. A simple plate and spoon, once used as a sign of national unity during the pandemic, have now become a symbol of protest — reflecting the growing voice of students who feel unheard and betrayed by the system. For many of them, this is not just about one exam anymore; it is about justice, fairness, and the future they have worked so hard to build.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets
