Shashi Tharoor Critiques CJP's Protests, Highlights Congress's Student Engagement Efforts

In a recent address, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor commented on the issues raised by the Cockroach People's Party (CJP) during their protests, asserting that these topics were already part of Congress's student outreach initiative. He reflected on the effectiveness of their engagement with students, particularly 'Gen Z,' and acknowledged the challenges faced in garnering attention compared to CJP. The protests against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak have sparked significant political discourse, especially following the involvement of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Tharoor's insights shed light on the ongoing struggle for student rights and accountability in education.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 12:55 IST

Tharoor Addresses CJP's Recent Protests

On Friday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor remarked that the issues raised by the 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP) during recent protests were already part of Congress's student outreach initiative, 'Students' Echo.' He noted that the response to his party's campaign did not match the attention garnered by CJP. Speaking at the 15th anniversary of the 'India's International Movement to Unite Nations' (IIMUN) in Mumbai, Tharoor emphasized that the concerns raised at Jantar Mantar had previously been addressed by Congress. He recalled that during the 'Students' Echo' program, Rahul Gandhi had spoken to students regarding the paper leak issue.

Reflections on Student Engagement

Acknowledging that Congress's outreach to students has not been as impactful as CJP's protests, Tharoor posed critical questions about their shortcomings. He asked whether they had failed to listen to the students or connect with 'Gen Z.' CJP initiated protests against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak on June 20, demanding accountability from the government and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Escalation of Protests

The protests, widely recognized as a 'Gen Z' movement in India, intensified when academic and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the students' demands. Other students and activists soon joined him. The Cockroach Party later called for a march to Parliament on July 20, but just days before the planned event, Wangchuk was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. On July 20, student demonstrators faced police action, which later became a focal point of political controversy as the opposition alleged the use of pellet guns and AK-47s.

NSUI's Early Opposition

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Congress's student wing, was among the first to raise concerns about the paper leak allegations. One of the initial protests occurred on May 12 in Delhi, shortly after the National Testing Agency canceled the NEET exam due to the leak allegations.

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