New Delhi: Videos showing senior leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) celebrating at a luxury hotel in Delhi have sparked a fresh political controversy, just days after the organisation ended its 37-day-long protest at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Remember, 21 NEET aspirants lost their lives … pic.twitter.com/1MOrcgJ5HM
— Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor) July 27, 2026
The footage, which has gone viral across multiple social media platforms, shows several individuals identified online as senior CJP leaders, including Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Arpit Sharma, dancing and enjoying a private celebration.
The videos has generated intense political reactions, with critics questioning the timing of the celebration while investigations into the violent July 20 clashes between protesters and Delhi Police continue.
As Junaid and others are crying, running, hiding and trying to escape law – Video of Senior cockroaches including Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das, and Arpit Sharma enjoying lavish private party viral on social media. pic.twitter.com/MD4IGClMh7
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) July 26, 2026
The viral videos surfaced only a few days after CJP officially withdrew its month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar. The protest had become one of the most prominent demonstrations witnessed in the national capital this year. The agitation initially centred around the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for reforms in the examination system. For 37 consecutive days, protesters remained stationed at Jantar Mantar, organising rallies, speeches, hunger strikes and public meetings while demanding action from the government.
Protest Turned Violent on July 20
The movement reached its peak on July 20 when thousands of protesters attempted to march towards Parliament during the Monsoon Session despite prohibitory orders imposed in the high-security zone. According to Delhi Police, protesters allegedly attempted to break multiple barricades and enter restricted areas surrounding Parliament. Police maintained that the use of force became necessary to prevent a breach of Parliament security. The confrontation resulted in injuries to police personnel. Authorities also reported significant damage to public property, including Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, police vehicles, barricades and other government infrastructure. Following the violence, multiple FIRs were registered, and investigations remain underway.
The political landscape changed significantly when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation. In his statement, Pradhan said he did not want the continuing unrest to become an opportunity for what he described as “anti-national forces” seeking to exploit the situation. Government sources stated that discussions covered several issues, including compensation for families of students affected by examination-related controversies, education reforms, and legal matters concerning protesters.
The latest controversy revolves around the optics of senior protest leaders allegedly celebrating at a private luxury venue shortly after the agitation concluded. The viral footage has therefore shifted attention away from the original education-related issues and towards questions concerning leadership, accountability and the conduct of organisers after the protest.
Mahesh Jethmalani Questions Protest Funding
Reacting to the viral videos, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and senior Supreme Court advocate Mahesh Jethmalani launched a strong criticism of the CJP leadership. In a post on social media, Jethmalani questioned why senior leaders appeared to be celebrating while many protesters were allegedly facing legal action following the violent clashes.
Seriously?
The CJP leadership throwing a victory party at a hotel! After Delhi witnessed days of violence, these so-called youth activists switched on the music and began dancing.More serious questions:
Who funded the travel, food, accommodation, equipment and logistics… pic.twitter.com/KSl4GIu0gr— Mahesh Jethmalani (@JethmalaniM) July 27, 2026
He also raised questions regarding the financial resources that sustained the prolonged agitation. According to Jethmalani, the protest continued uninterrupted for more than a month, requiring significant expenditure on accommodation, food, transportation, tents, logistics, sound systems and other arrangements. He questioned who financed these expenses and called for greater transparency regarding the funding of the movement.
The videos has triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of the BJP argue that the celebration raises legitimate questions about the priorities of the movement’s leadership. They contend that leaders should first address the concerns of protesters who continue to face legal proceedings before engaging in private celebrations. Several social media users have also questioned whether adequate transparency exists regarding the organisation’s finances and logistical arrangements during the 37-day protest. Meanwhile, Delhi Police continue investigating the July 20 violence. Officials are examining CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings and social media videos to identify individuals allegedly involved in vandalism, assault on police personnel and destruction of public property.
Authorities have stated that investigations are progressing independently and have not linked the viral celebration video to any criminal case. Police have not issued any statement suggesting that the gathering shown in the video forms part of the ongoing investigation.
The controversy surrounding the celebration video has shifted the national conversation away from the original issues of examination reforms and alleged irregularities. Instead, political discourse is increasingly focusing on questions surrounding protest leadership, organisational accountability, funding transparency and the responsibilities of organisers after large-scale demonstrations that culminate in violence. With investigations still ongoing and political exchanges intensifying, the debate is expected to continue in the coming days, particularly as both supporters and critics of the movement seek to shape public perception of the protest and its leadership.
