The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is set to make a “big announcement” on Thursday on the future course of its youth-led movement, chief spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said in an Instagram post on Wednesday night, a day after the group began a two-day strategy meeting in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
“We have taken all suggestions. We will make a big announcement about the strategy forward,” Ranka said in the post, adding that the group would share its plans for the road ahead on Thursday.
The announcement comes as the CJP leadership discusses how to expand its movement following its Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi, which drew students and youth from across the country over alleged competitive examination paper leaks and other irregularities.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had said the organisation’s two-day core team meeting would review the Jantar Mantar agitation, discuss its expansion and chart its future roadmap. He had also ruled out, for now, converting the group into a conventional political party.
On Wednesday, Dipke said the CJP would instead function as a “pressure group” to push for accountability and neutrality in institutions including the political system, judiciary, media and Election Commission.
“For now, CJP will be a pressure group because what India needs right now is a pressure group,” Dipke said.
He said the movement’s nationwide support had extended beyond education-related issues, reflecting wider concerns over public trust in institutions. The CJP leadership is also discussing issues including unemployment and ethanol-blended fuel, while exploring ways to strengthen its presence across states.
The group has also backed students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand. Dipke said the CJP would visit the state if required and support the protesting students.
Meanwhile, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said environmentalist and education activist Sonam Wangchuk would continue to be the movement’s mentor and that the group would seek his advice. The CJP also said it was pursuing the withdrawal of FIRs against students involved in its recent protests and was working to provide legal and medical assistance to protesters injured during agitations.
The CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest concluded on July 25 after drawing thousands of student activists amid anger over alleged paper leaks. The agitation had also demanded reforms and the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
With the two-day strategy meeting concluding on Thursday, Ranka’s announcement is expected to spell out how the CJP plans to take the movement forward.
