Politics or grassroots movement? CJP leader Saurav Das clarifies party's next step

Politics or grassroots movement? CJP leader Saurav Das clarifies party's next step

Will the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) eventually make the transition from a youth-led movement to a full-fledged political outfit? For now, the organisation appears to be keeping that question open, with its immediate priority being to expand its presence on the ground and engage directly with young people across the country.

Speaking exclusively to Times Now after the CJP ended its 37-day protest, party spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation was not currently focused on electoral politics. Instead, he said, its efforts would centre on taking the movement beyond the national capital and building a grassroots network.

"Right now our focus is very clear that this movement has to go to the grassroots. For this, we will be travelling across India. We will be talking to the youth of the country," Das said.

He added that the organisation's recent experience had highlighted a wider disconnect between young people and those in positions of authority.

"In the past month, we realised that people have no one to share their stories with; we will go to the grassroots and will listen to them," Das said.

The remarks come amid speculation that the CJP could consider entering electoral politics after its prolonged campaign over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and wider education reforms drew nationwide attention.

The organisation has, however, stopped short of announcing any plans to contest elections.

Das' comments indicate that the CJP's immediate strategy is to strengthen its network and continue its advocacy on youth and governance issues before deciding whether to take the political route.

The CJP withdrew its protest on Saturday after the Centre agreed to consider several of its demands. These included compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and discussions on its proposed examination reforms.

The development followed talks between Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh and CJP representatives. The government also agreed to examine the organisation's five-point charter on examination reforms, with another round of discussions expected after four weeks.

The end of the agitation came on the same day Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post. Pralhad Joshi was subsequently assigned the Education Ministry.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, meanwhile, thanked supporters in a video posted on social media, describing the outcome as a "huge victory of the youth". He said the 37-day protest had been a difficult period for the organisation but insisted that the movement was only at the beginning of its journey.

"It feels really good... finally, at last, I have been able to sleep peacefully and wake up in my bedroom without thinking about what to do next, or what will happen by this evening or not. There is no panic," Dipke said.

He also credited supporters who stood by the movement despite criticism and thanked those who questioned its campaign, saying such scrutiny had helped the organisation improve.

The agitation had also received a boost from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest and undertook a 26-day hunger strike. After the Centre's assurances, Wangchuk congratulated the youth and described the outcome as a victory for democracy.

While the CJP's political ambitions remain unclear, Das has indicated that the organisation's next phase will focus on taking its movement to communities across India.

"This is just a trailer. The picture is still to come. The youth of the country have awakened. The youth of the country will solve all the problems in this country," Das had said.

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.