CJP’s protest ‘nautanki’ to defame govt, create anger in youth: Maharashtra Minister Bawankule

MaharashtraMinister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday (July 21, 2026), termed the Cockroach Janata Party‘s (CJP’s) massive anti-NEET protest a ‘nautanki’ (drama) and claimed that the widespread anger over exam irregularities was ‘manufactured’.

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Defending Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the senior BJP leader attempted to deflect accountability by demanding a probe into alleged stone-pelting during the party’s march, asking, “Did any of our Ministers leak papers? Did Chandrashekhar Bawankule or Dharmendra Pradhan leak any paper?”

His remarks came a day after Delhi Police and Central paramilitary forces used tear gas against thousands of protesters marching toward Parliament on the opening day of the monsoon session. Protesters demanding Pradhan’s resignation were met with baton charges near Parliament Street as they attempted to push past police barricades.

The Minister, known for making controversial remarks, alleged that a specific group and ideology had entered society to damage Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“This cockroach [CJP] agitation is a nautanki. As they can’t find any real issues, they are scheming to create resentment among young people. Some youth have joined the movement out of genuine distress because NEET was cancelled and they are upset, but that doesn’t mean the government didn’t take action,” he told reporters in Nagpur.

As the CJP agitation and march towards Parliament rocked the national capital on Monday (July 20, 2026), demonstrations broke out in cities of Maharashtra in their support.

Police detained several protesters in central Mumbai as they gathered at Chaityabhoomi, the cremation place of B.R. Ambedkar, to express solidarity with the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, while angry demonstrators, including students and senior citizens, gathered at Samvidhan Square in Nagpur and vowed to press ahead with their agitation until the Education Minister steps down.

In Pune, the students’ association of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) said it has extended support to the CJP and Mr. Wangchuk in their protest over alleged irregularities in the education sector and exam paper leaks.

Mr. Bawankule claimed that the government acted firmly, brought stricter controls and handled the NEET issue properly.

Instead of suggesting reforms, the issue is being politicised by demanding the Minister’s resignation, he said.

Mr. Bawankule also demanded an inquiry into alleged stone-pelting incidents during the protest march in Delhi.

“This agitation was done purposely to defame the government and create resentment against the government,” he said.