Why are cockroaches silent on paper leaks in Punjab and Jharkhand?

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), known for its vocal stance against examination failures and corruption in India’s education system, has drawn sharp criticism for its apparent silence on recent paper leak allegations in Punjab and Jharkhand. While the group gained national prominence for its role in exposing the NEET-UG paper leak scandal, leading to the resignation of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, it has shown little public engagement with similar controversies in states governed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Political rivals accuse the CJP of inconsistency and even suggest ties to the AAP, casting doubt on its commitment to transparency across all regions. The controversy emerged as the CJP, founded by activist Abhijeet Dipke, continued its campaign against examination fraud. Its initial rise came from online satire inspired by a remark made by the Chief Justice of India, evolving into a nationwide student movement centered on the NEET-UG paper leak. Key figures such as Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das became prominent voices during weeks of protests at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The movement attracted widespread support and media attention, highlighting the group’s ability to mobilize youth across the country. However, the CJP’s response to other examination-related issues has been markedly different. In Punjab, where the AAP has ruled since 2022 under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, multiple allegations of paper leaks and cheating have surfaced. Opposition leaders, including BJP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, have cited several instances of suspected leaks, including a large-scale cheating incident in a pharmacy officers’ examination on July 19. Maliwal accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of staying silent on these matters and suggested that the CJP was created by his associates and promoted through paid social media campaigns. The Punjab government has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and asserting that no recruitment papers have been leaked under AAP administration. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the state police have taken action against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exams. At least eight individuals, including a former deputy examination controller and staff members of a private agency involved in conducting the tests, have been arrested. Raids were carried out, and digital evidence was seized as part of an ongoing investigation. The disruptions to results and schedules have added to the tension surrounding the case, with the authorities emphasizing that the inquiry is still active. Despite the gravity of these situations, the CJP has yet to publicly address either the Punjab or Jharkhand cases. Instead, the party has stated it is “planning its response,” leaving many to question its level of involvement. Critics argue that the CJP’s selective focus undermines its claim to represent the interests of all students and exam candidates, particularly in states where AAP governs. The party has previously dismissed such accusations, but its lack of action on these specific issues has fueled further skepticism. With Punjab preparing for Assembly elections in early 2027, the paper leak allegations have become a focal point for political discourse. The AAP, which secured a strong mandate in 2022, now faces mounting pressure to prove its governance capabilities, especially regarding examination integrity. For groups like the CJP, which position themselves as advocates for students, the perception of inconsistency could impact their credibility and influence among younger voters. As the investigations in Punjab and Jharkhand continue, the CJP’s approach will likely remain under close watch. Whether it chooses to engage more actively or maintains its current stance will shape perceptions of its reliability and effectiveness in addressing educational fraud. The coming months will reveal how the party navigates these challenges, potentially reshaping its role in the political landscape.