The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) referenced Taylor Swift's hit 'Anti-Hero' to criticize Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A video montage was created that synchronizes the minister's footage with the song's opening line: 'It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me.'
Video Content and Protests
The video, published by CJP founder Abidjeet Dipke, displayed a montage portraying Pradhan as a symbol of recurring failures in India's education system. When the song transitions to the phrase 'At tea time,' the clip switches to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing his past as a tea trader and the 'Chai Pe Charcha' programs. The line 'everybody agrees' is accompanied by images of current CJP protests at Jantar Mantar.
Demands and Protest Actions
CJP has been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding Pradhan's resignation over several alleged irregularities in examination processes. These irregularities include the leak of the NEET exam, issues with the CBSE OMS system, and the leakage of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been present since June 28 on a hunger strike of uncertain duration.
Reaction to Terrorist Remarks
This video appeared several days after Pradhan labeled some protesting youth and CJP members as the 'B-team of terrorists.' This statement drew sharp criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who demanded an apology and the minister's resignation. Gandhi stated: 'Dharmendra Pradhan, apologize immediately to the millions of youth in this country and resign due to your failures,' accusing the government of turning the education system into a 'racketeering syndicate.'
CJP Responses
Dipke responded to this by claiming that Pradhan 'has blood on his hands of more than 17 students,' and shared a video from the father of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant who allegedly committed suicide, questioning the possibility of calling his son a 'terrorist.'