Videos showing leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) dancing and celebrating following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have triggered criticism from supporters, activists and social media users. The controversy comes shortly after the month-long protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar concluded, with critics questioning the timing of the celebrations while some protesters were still reportedly struggling with basic needs.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had observed a hunger strike at the CJP protest site, responded to the controversy by urging restraint in celebrations. He said that victory should be accompanied by humility and appealed to supporters to celebrate with dignity, responsibility and respect. His remarks came amid widespread debate over the viral videos, which showed CJP leaders celebrating soon after the protest ended.

The criticism intensified after commentator and YouTuber Meghnad, a founding member associated with the online platform, publicly accused the leadership of neglecting volunteers. In an Instagram post, he claimed that he and several others had personally arranged food and travel for dozens of protesters who had been camping at Jantar Mantar for over a month. He alleged that more than 70 protesters and students were left stranded and hungry after the demonstrations concluded while party leaders attended celebrations.

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Expressing his disappointment, Meghnad wrote that the leadership had failed to care for volunteers who had supported the movement throughout the protest. He said the situation forced him and others to use their own resources to help protesters return home safely. His remarks drew significant attention online and added to criticism from those who felt the celebrations were insensitive given the circumstances faced by some participants.

Responding to the backlash, CJP defended the videos, saying they reflected the culture and expression of a younger generation of activists. Party spokesperson Saurav Das said on social media that today's youth can protest while dancing, organise movements while socialising and should not be judged through conventional expectations. He argued that critics misunderstood the language and style of Generation Z activism and said the movement remained focused on its objectives despite the celebrations.

Das later clarified that the gathering shown in the videos was primarily organised to honour volunteers who had contributed to the protest movement. He said the event included personal interactions with volunteers before the dancing began, but only the celebratory moments gained attention on social media. The controversy has nevertheless continued to generate debate, with supporters and critics offering differing views on whether the celebrations were appropriate immediately after the conclusion of the protest movement.

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