Addressing a crowd of supporters, Dipke said the movement had outgrown the digital space and was now making its presence felt on the ground.

“People asked me what impact it has to just create a page on social media. It’s necessary to be visible on the ground as well,” he said, pointing to the turnout at the demonstration.

“Show them on camera how many people have come out today.”

Criticising the government’s response to the movement, Dipke alleged that authorities had focused more on the group’s online activity than on addressing its concerns.

“It has been a month since we started demanding (education minister) Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on social media, but instead of taking action, they have been focused on other distractions, like hacking our accounts and getting our posts deleted. You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space,” he told supporters.

Dipke also invoked the symbolism behind the movement’s name. When asked why he refers to supporters as “cockroaches”, he replied: “Cockroaches are where things rot.”

He added that young people would no longer remain silent.

“The youth of the country will no longer fear; they will fight. Cockroaches don’t fear, and they never die either.”

The protest, held under heavy security, drew hundreds of participants, most of them young people.

Many wore cockroach masks, carried flowers and raised slogans demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities.

Protesters repeatedly chanted, “Dharmendra Pradhan istifa do” (Dharmendra Pradhan, resign) and “We asked for ‘Make in India’, you gave us ‘Leak in India’.”

School students were also seen attending the demonstration alongside their parents.

Large numbers of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed around Jantar Mantar to maintain law and order.

The protest focused on alleged irregularities in several examinations and recruitment processes, including NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC exams.

Organisers said the demonstration aimed to pressure the government into taking action and holding those responsible accountable.

earlier, Dipke arrived in New Delhi from Boston, where he has been based for the past two years, to lead the protest.

He was seen at the airport carrying a copy of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s writings.

The CJP, which began as a satirical online campaign following controversial remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has rapidly evolved into a youth-driven movement.

The group now claims more than 22 million followers on Instagram, giving it a larger online following than any major political party in India.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has also expressed support for the protest and said he would undertake a six-week fast if Dipke were arrested.