Hardeep Jamwal, JNM Journalist, Jammu
Thousands of students staged a protest on Friday at Eco Garden in the capital, Lucknow, over issues such as paper leaks in various competitive examinations, delays in recruitment processes, and problems related to results. Abhijit Deepke, chief of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party,’ also joined the agitation and raised his voice in support of the students.
Addressing the protest, Abhijit Deepke stated that mass movements are the greatest strength of democracy. He remarked that every major battle—from the country’s struggle for independence to the defense of democracy—has been fought through such movements. Urging the students not to back down, he declared that if the situation required going to jail during the agitation, he would be the first to do so.
The protest was organized under the leadership of Vivek Kumar, founder of the online coaching institute ‘Exampur,’ and saw the participation of approximately six thousand students. The demonstration began at 10:00 AM and continued until 4:00 PM. The students demanded a stop to paper leaks, the release of UPSI scorecards, and transparency in recruitment processes.
Abhijit Deepke arrived at the protest site holding a copy of the Constitution. Police escorted him into Eco Garden amidst a security cordon. Around 1,500 personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and the local police were deployed to maintain security during the event.
Students participating in the protest raised slogans such as “Stop paper leaks,” “Release UPSI scorecards,” and “Give justice to the youth.” However, some aspirants opposed political interference in the movement, arguing that it was a students’ protest and should not be turned into a political platform.
A large number of students arrived at the venue carrying posters and banners. Many student groups chanted slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long live the revolution) and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India). At some points, heated arguments and verbal altercations broke out between different student organizations over slogan-shouting. It is worth noting that the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ has previously staged protests in support of students’ demands at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and in Pune. The protest held in Lucknow is being viewed as a major show of strength regarding student issues.
The students state that their agitation will continue until the government gives serious consideration to their demands.
