Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra joined the ongoing protest led by Abhijeet Dipke's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday, extending support to students and youth demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration, which has been underway since June 20, centres on alleged irregularities in India's examination system, including concerns over the NEET paper leak controversy, issues related to the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) OSM setup, and other alleged shortcomings affecting students.

Addressing the gathering, Moitra criticised the Centre's handling of education-related issues and accused the government of failing to respond to the concerns of millions of students and job aspirants. She said the future of more than three crore young people was at stake while those in positions of authority remained indifferent. According to the TMC leader, the voices of students demanding accountability had not received the attention they deserved despite mounting concerns over examination-related controversies.

Taking a swipe at Dharmendra Pradhan, Moitra referred to birthday greetings exchanged by political leaders and questioned the timing of such celebrations amid the ongoing protests. "Today, the futures of more than three crore students and job aspirants are being toyed with. And there is no one speaking up for them," she told the crowd. "Instead, those in power were sitting comfortably wishing each other 'Happy Birthday.' What could be more shameful than this?" she said, drawing applause from the protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar.

Also Read: Akhilesh Yadav Seeks Speaker's Action After Alleged Attack on Mahua Moitra of TMC

Escalating her criticism, Moitra urged political leaders not to celebrate while students continued to suffer. "Celebrate birthdays if you want. But don't write 'Happy Birthday' on a cake with the blood of our children. You have no right to do that. Don't decorate your celebrations with the sacrifices and suffering of our youth," she said. Her remarks were met with loud cheers from demonstrators, many of whom have been participating in the protest for over two weeks, demanding greater transparency and accountability in the country's examination process.

The protesters have cited multiple issues affecting students, including the alleged NEET paper leak and concerns regarding examination administration. They have also highlighted reports claiming that more than 18 students have died by suicide due to exam-related stress and uncertainty, arguing that systemic reforms are urgently needed to restore confidence in the education system. Demonstrators have called on the government to address these concerns and ensure that examinations are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Moitra is among the first prominent political leaders to publicly associate herself with the Cockroach Janta Party's agitation, lending political support to a movement that has sought to draw national attention to examination reforms. The protest at Jantar Mantar continues to demand accountability from the Union Education Ministry, with participants insisting that comprehensive measures are needed to safeguard the interests of students and job aspirants across the country.

Also Read: Mahua Moitra Hits Out At BJP Over Bengal's Eggs-To-Rajma Mid-Day Meal Shift