- Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation has led to a significant backlash against CJP protesters, who have been identified, abused, humiliated, and assaulted in public spaces.
- Protesters have described the incidents as "punishment for protesting" and have raised concerns over intimidation.
- Following the protests, social media accounts sympathetic to the BJP have called for the arrest of women and student protesters, tagging police departments.
- A video has surfaced showing a man confronting a protester, accusing him of saying he would "turn India into Nepal", and threatening him to "apologise".
- In another incident, a man was punched and kicked by a group while being chased in Connaught Place.
- The Indian Youth Congress has alleged that "BJP-backed goons" are using intimidation and violence against students demanding accountability over paper leaks.
- A video also showed a woman being surrounded by men in Connaught Place, who were recording her and calling her a "cockroach".
Backlash against the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters intensified after the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with reports of violence and intimidation emerging.2
Following Pradhan's exit, videos surfaced showing right-wing activists assaulting CJP supporters, including a viral clip of activist Satyam Pandit attacking two men.
Supporters of the protests described these incidents as "punishment for protesting", raising alarms about the safety of demonstrators.
Pro-BJP social media accounts have been actively targeting CJP protesters, sharing photos and calling for their arrests, which has further escalated tensions.3
In one incident, a man confronted a protester, threatening violence if he did not apologize for his statements against the government.
The Indian Youth Congress condemned the violence, alleging that "BJP-backed goons" were retaliating against students demanding accountability over paper leaks.6
The situation has raised significant concerns about the implications for free speech and the safety of those participating in protests across India.
“Following Pradhan's resignation, CJP protesters reported being identified and assaulted in public spaces, with some describing the incidents as "punishment for protesting." Additionally, the Indian Youth Congress alleged that "BJP-backed goons" were using intimidation against students demanding accountability over paper leaks.”
