Campus Times | Lucknow 

A major student-led protest was held at Lucknow’s Eco Garden on Friday, where thousands of students and coaching institute teachers gathered to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.

The demonstration, which had previously faced uncertainty over permissions, ultimately saw participation from student groups after administrative clearance for a limited-duration protest.

Amid the intense heat conditions in the state capital, the chief of the self-styled Cockroach Janata Party, Abhijeet Deepke, attended the protest site but remained present for only around 28 minutes, according to claims circulating among student groups and social media videos.

He reportedly left the venue in an air-conditioned vehicle shortly afterward, triggering criticism from sections of protesting students who questioned his brief presence at the site.

Students accuse group of political credit-claiming

Several student participants alleged that the CJP attempted to take credit for a protest they say was originally organised by student and teacher collectives.

They stated that the agitation was announced earlier in Prayagraj in response to ongoing concerns about examination transparency and was intended to remain non-political in nature.

Teachers present at the demonstration also echoed similar sentiments, stating that the movement was focused solely on student and educator concerns.

Some participants expressed frustration over political branding of the protest, insisting that the issue should remain centered on education reforms and exam accountability.

Demand for action and next protest call in Delhi

During the gathering, Abhijeet Deepke reportedly addressed participants and demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged paper leak incidents, reiterating support for student demands.

He also issued a call for a follow-up protest in Delhi scheduled for June 20, urging wider participation from students and youth groups.

Authorities had permitted a six-hour demonstration at the Eco Garden. However, following the event and rising tensions, the area was later cleared by police and administrative teams.