Demanding educational reform, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading protests continuously in New Delhi since last Monday, has announced a nationwide protest for Friday.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Rank said on Thursday, “Let’s make this protest national. Hold peaceful demonstrations in every city and every village across the country on Friday.”

India’s major opposition parties and social activists are supporting this movement. Previously, demonstrations in support of this movement have already taken place in Indian cities including Patna, Bengaluru, and Kerala.

Rank urged people to hold peaceful protests in every city and village across the country. Earlier on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in the question paper leak incidents related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other examinations.

However, the CJP demands that accountability should begin with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” Modi wrote on social media platform X, “This decision has been taken as a continuation of the steps the government has been taking to protect the interests of students.”

Modi claims that the decision to establish fast-track courts has been made to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in the question paper leaks. Similarly, he said that all relevant agencies and officials have been instructed to proceed with all necessary processes.

The CJP stated that Prime Minister Modi’s announcement was made with the intention of diverting the attention of the protesters. “This announcement cannot address the root problem of the question paper leaks. This statement has been made to distract from the main issue,” the CJP said.

Leader of the main opposition party Rahul Gandhi has accused Modi of ruining India’s education system. “You have not only completely captured and destroyed our education system, but you have also protected every person involved in it,” Gandhi wrote on social media, “The students’ demands are clear—resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to the students, and action against those who suppressed the students.”

On Thursday, protests took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi as well as in Mizoram, Bengaluru, and various other locations across India. Citing the protests in Delhi, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has closed 16 major stations, including the Supreme Court Metro Station, until further notice.

Chief Justice Suryakant informed that a circular has been issued instructing that no adverse orders be passed in cases of lawyers who are unable to attend court due to difficulties in commuting during the closure of metro stations.

Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal accused Modi of announcing the fast-track courts to protect the education minister.

“The demand to establish fast-track courts was never made by the protesters. This seems like an attempt to mislead the students. There are already many fast-track courts in the country, but there are still delays in justice,” Kejriwal wrote on social media platform X. He said that in some cases, the work of fast-track courts has been found to be even more prolonged than regular judicial processes.

The CJP has also accused the government of infiltrating the protest. On Thursday, the CJP accused Delhi Police of parking a completely damaged car outside the protest site. In a statement, the CJP said the government was trying to defame the protesters.

“This car was brought here in this condition. Before they accuse those participating in the peaceful protest, it is necessary for us to put this on record,” the CJP wrote, releasing a video of the car with broken windows and windshield. Earlier, on Wednesday, the CJP had accused authorities of shutting down internet services around the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi.

“Internet service is disrupted at Jantar Mantar. Is the government planning another harsh crackdown?” CJP founder Abhijit Dipke wrote on social media platform X on Wednesday. He also appealed to police and paramilitary personnel not to comply with illegal orders given by the government.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray have announced a joint protest in Mumbai next Sunday against the suppression of the student movement. They have warned against any attempts at infiltration in this movement.

“If anyone tries to incite this movement, they will be beaten. We did the same in Delhi. Those who infiltrate should stay away from my movement.” He said the student movement is increasing pressure on the government.

At a press conference, Thackeray said the government has acted very harshly towards the students. “The government was harsh, but the students were not afraid of anyone. Can the Prime Minister take responsibility for police officers who attack students and tear women’s clothes?” he asked.