Dharmendra Pradhan calls CJP ‘B team of disruptive elements’:Cockroach Janata Party demands resignation of education minister over NEET paper leak

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday described the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) as the “B team of disruptive elements”. The CJP has been protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the education minister’s resignation. In an interview with NDTV, Pradhan said, “Those who were rejected in a democracy have returned in disguise and are now targeting the system. They raise slogans for people who want to divide the country. Their identity has been exposed.” Commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Kota, Pradhan said the opposition has the right to ask questions, but accused it of creating panic among students ahead of the re-examination. “Three days before the re-exam, they went to Kota and spread fear among students. Their intention was to ensure the June 21 examination did not go well,” he said. Pradhan termed the NEET re-examination held on June 21 a success after the paper leak reported on May 3. The BJP leader said some people do not have faith in the country’s progress. He also criticised teachers found involved in the paper leak, saying that those meant to protect students had instead become predators. Key points from Pradhan’s interview… Politics over student suicides: Pradhan accused Congress of exploiting student suicides for political gain, saying displaying photos of students who died by suicide and releasing lists of such cases just before exams was “disgusting.” He claimed neither Rahul Gandhi nor Congress had offered any constructive suggestions to improve the system. Abu Dhabi exam centre controversy: He said the student’s father had himself requested the Abu Dhabi exam centre. Once the issue surfaced, the National Testing Agency (NTA) acted within hours and shifted the centre to Nagpur. Pradhan alleged that Rahul Gandhi went silent after the facts emerged. Previous governments ignored education needs: Referring to the Prime Minister’s new Bharat Innovates initiative, Pradhan said it aims to align education with young people’s talent and the country’s needs. He accused previous governments of neglecting these priorities and exploiting the public, while alleging that some groups were trying to tarnish India’s image. Trusted teachers betrayed responsibility: Pradhan said meritorious students had performed well and would receive good marks. However, he alleged that some teachers trusted by the NTA failed in their duties, saying that “protectors became predators.” Crackdown on education mafias: He said some groups, including coaching centres and education mafias, were deliberately trying to derail the education system. The government is monitoring them and will take strict action to protect students’ futures. 38 lakh cyberattacks on CBSE portal: Pradhan claimed the CBSE re-evaluation portal faced 38 lakh cyberattacks within two hours. He said certain elements wanted to create chaos but stressed that India had the capacity to deal with such challenges. He added that the government had received several useful suggestions and that NEET would be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year. Rahul Gandhi said education system has become a burden on students During a rally with students in Kota on June 17, Rahul Gandhi said that India’s education system is placing a heavy financial burden on families instead of helping young people achieve their dreams. He said families across the country spend as much on NEET preparation as the Union government’s entire education budget. According to Rahul, the current system offers limited opportunities and has left many students feeling that they have been treated unfairly. He added that the ‘Students’ Voice’ campaign is not just a movement but the beginning of a larger change. He said India needs an education system that allows young people to dream big and helps them achieve those dreams without putting their lives and futures at risk.