The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which claimed a major victory after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following the NEET-UG paper leak protests, is now facing criticism over its handling of supporters who remained at the protest site in Delhi.

Political commentator and YouTuber Meghnad S, who had backed the movement, accused the CJP leadership of leaving protesters and volunteers stranded at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan stepped down on Saturday.

His criticism followed the circulation of a video showing CJP spokesperson Saurav Das dancing at what appeared to be a gathering organised after the resignation. The video carried the caption "Resignation Party" and showed Das celebrating with a group of children.

Meghnad alleged that while senior members of the movement were celebrating what they described as a political victory, several volunteers who had spent weeks supporting the agitation were allegedly left without food, accommodation or assistance.

He claimed that he and others had personally paid to help some stranded protesters return home after the month-long demonstration. India Today has not independently verified the allegations.

In a post reacting to the video, Meghnad said he had initially decided not to comment but became angry after seeing the celebrations. He alleged that volunteers who had worked throughout the protest were left to manage themselves after the CJP leadership departed from Jantar Mantar.

He further claimed that police subsequently removed belongings from the protest site and that more than 70 students and protesters were left without adequate support in Delhi.

The political commentator later shared information on social media to help protesters who were still stranded in the capital. He provided contacts for those seeking Tatkal train reservations and directed people requiring accommodation to the Indian Youth Congress office near the Press Club.

Questions Over Treatment of Volunteers

The criticism has not been limited to Meghnad. The CJP has also faced questions regarding the treatment of Junaid, who reportedly helped arrange food for protesters at Jantar Mantar for more than a month.

Some critics questioned why Junaid was allegedly still detained while CJP leaders were celebrating the end of the agitation. Junaid himself reportedly told the Live Hindustan YouTube channel that CJP leaders did not even greet him before leaving the protest site.

His comments subsequently sparked debate on social media over whether the movement's leadership had adequately acknowledged the contribution of volunteers who had supported the agitation throughout its 37-day run.

The controversy comes after an agitation that began with online memes and social media campaigns over the NEET-UG paper leak issue developed into a large-scale protest at Jantar Mantar. The resignation of Pradhan had been one of the movement's principal demands.

The campaign also attracted support from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who undertook a hunger strike. A subsequent attempt to march towards Parliament resulted in clashes and police action, while demonstrations and protests were reported in different parts of the country.

CJP Defends 'Resignation Party'

Responding to the criticism, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das rejected the suggestion that the leadership had abandoned the protesters.

Speaking to India Today TV, Das said the gathering was organised to recognise and thank approximately 150-200 volunteers who had contributed to the movement. He said many of those present had travelled from other states and had spent 37 days participating in the protest.

According to Das, the event was held in a modest basement venue rather than a luxury hotel. He said the leadership had first spent time interacting personally with the volunteers before the celebratory moments captured on video took place.

Das acknowledged that the dancing footage had attracted attention but argued that the video did not reflect everything that happened at the gathering.

He said the leadership had spoken individually with volunteers and maintained that the appearance of a leader away from the protest stage did not mean that other responsibilities were being ignored.

The CJP's response has done little to end the debate, however. The movement, which began outside the traditional political establishment, is now facing scrutiny over questions of leadership responsibility and its treatment of the people who sustained its month-long campaign.

While the CJP has achieved its principal demand with Pradhan's resignation, the controversy surrounding the alleged treatment of protesters and volunteers has opened a new chapter for the movement and its leadership.