The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) expected protesters. It did not expect to run out of space for food. As thousands gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, strangers from across the country sent so many meals that organisers eventually asked supporters to stop ordering more.

Over the few days, videos circulating on X and Instagram showed food delivery partners arriving at the protest site with meals ordered online by people who had never met the protesters but wanted to contribute to the movement in their own way.

Others turned up carrying homemade food, snacks, tea and refreshments, creating an atmosphere where acts of solidarity extended beyond slogans and speeches.

As the hours passed, the steady stream of meals became so overwhelming that volunteers found it increasingly difficult to organise and distribute the food among those gathered.

By around 10 pm, the protest site had received more food than it could reasonably handle.

Recognising the scale of public support, the Cockroach Janta Party took to X with an unusual appeal - not for more help, but for restraint.

"India is such a beautiful country with such beautiful people – thanks for sending food for protesters. We are so overwhelmed. BUT for today, we have received more than enough food – please don't send any more!"

See the post:

The post, shared at 10:55 pm on Tuesday, quickly drew praise online, with many describing it as a rare moment where generosity had exceeded demand.

The demonstrations are part of a wider agitation led by CJP, a satirical citizens' movement founded by Abhijeet Dipke.

The organisation had called for a march to Parliament from Jantar Mantar on July 20, demanding accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and reforms to protect the integrity of public examinations.

The campaign gathered fresh momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.

Although the protest initially struggled to attract large crowds, public attention grew significantly after Wangchuk was detained by police and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital earlier this month.

As the movement continues, one image from Monday may endure beyond the speeches and placards: not just of protesters raising their voices, but of countless strangers quietly standing beside them, one meal, one cup of tea and one act of solidarity at a time.

- Ends

Published By:

Srimoyee Chowdhury

Published On:

Jul 22, 2026 10:09 IST