A protest staged by Cockroach Janta Party demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in Hyderabad on June 14, 2026.
| Photo Credit: G. Ramakrishna
From “Cockroach is the New Tiger” posters to Dakhni slogans and chants demanding accountability, Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Sunday (June 14, 2026) witnessed an unusual blend of satire and dissent, as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.
What began as a demonstration over examination irregularities gradually evolved into a wider conversation on educational inequality, democratic freedoms and political accountability, with speakers repeatedly questioning the state of India’s education system and the responsibility of those in power.
People started arriving at Dharna Chowk from around 9 a.m., carrying placards demanding Mr. Pradhan’s resignation. Posters reading “Dharmendra Pradhan Resign” competed for attention while volunteers and supporters slowly filled the tent erected at the venue.
As the morning progressed, the crowd continued to swell. By noon, the tent had reached capacity, forcing many participants to stand outside while slogans demanding accountability echoed through the protest site. Several banners reflected Hyderabad’s distinctive Dakhni flavour. Among them were “Public Ku Haula Samjhe Kya Miya” and “Baigan Ke Bataan Nakko Karo, Resignation Do”, drawing smiles and applause from the crowd.
Among those who had joined the protest was J. Soumyaa, a working professional, said the issue was about demanding responsibility from the government. “It is about time somebody stepped up and asked for accountability. A paper was leaked and lakhs of students suffered. All we are asking is that the government take responsibility and accountability for playing with the future of lakhs of students,” she said.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk speaks during a protest staged by Cockroach Janta Party and other organisations, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and the irregularities related to the CBSE’s on-screen marking system, in Hyderabad, on June 14, 2026
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Former Chairperson of the Telangana Education Commission Akunuri Murali, who also participated in the protest, said meaningful change would come only when young people took to the streets. “Things will not change until the youth step out on the streets. We are facing problems in education, healthcare and now even examinations are not being conducted properly. Only 6% of graduates have the skills required to get a job. Why are the remaining 94% not being equipped with those skills?” he asked.
One of the loudest cheers of the day erupted shortly after 11 a.m. when Mr. Wangchuk arrived at the venue. Supporters surged towards the stage, many raising their mobile phones to catch a glimpse of the climate activist.
Beginning his address, Mr. Wangchuk congratulated Hyderabad’s youth and described the city as one of the most peaceful and energetic places he had visited during his travels with the CJP. Mr. Wangchuk said education and environmental protection should remain the twin pillars of India’s aspirations to become a developed nation.
Our country is such that some students in a few schools may be receiving education ahead of America, while most children are studying in schools worse than those in Sub-Saharan Africa. If our coming generations are in such a state, how can we become Viksit Bharat by 2047?” he asked.
The four-hour-long protest concluded around 2 p.m. with participants standing for the national anthem.
Published – June 14, 2026 03:12 pm IST
