Fresh speculation of another split in the Shiv Sena has surfaced after the Shinde faction claimed that seven MPs from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) are in touch with them and may switch sides soon.

Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLC Krupal Tumane told ANI that quiet discussions have been going on for the past month under what he called “Operation Tiger”. He said the process is now in its final stage and the MPs could join the Shinde group before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins.

The claim has triggered a fresh round of political activity in Maharashtra, where the Thackeray family’s control over the party has been under strain ever since the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde.

Uddhav Thackeray, during a meeting with party MPs on June 14, reportedly took a calm but firm stand. According to those familiar with the meeting, he told leaders that anyone who wants to leave the party is free to do so and would not be stopped. He referred to the 2022 split, saying he had known about the rebellion then but chose not to pressure anyone to stay.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav in Delhi on Monday. Deshmukh had skipped the Sunday party meeting, citing family reasons. His meeting with the minister has added to the buzz, though no official confirmation of any switch has come yet.

Sanjay Raut, the sharp-tongued UBT MP, quickly dismissed the claims as baseless. He asserted that all party MPs remain loyal to Uddhav Thackeray and described the reports of another split as false propaganda. Raut questioned Krupal Tumane’s relevance, asking, “Who is Kripal Tumane?” and calling him not a major name in Maharashtra politics.

Raut pointed out that all MPs had attended Uddhav’s meeting four days ago and expressed full confidence in his leadership. Some even swore on their family members to stay with Thackeray, he added. However, media reports suggested that only four MPs attended the meeting in person, one joined virtually, and four were absent, raising questions about the actual strength of the group.

This development comes nearly four years after the original split that changed Maharashtra politics. On June 20, 2022, 40 of Shiv Sena’s 55 MLAs sided with Eknath Shinde while Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister. After a dramatic few days involving a Supreme Court approach and a floor test, Thackeray resigned. Shinde took oath as Chief Minister with BJP support on June 30, 2022.

The battle for the party’s identity continued in courts and the Election Commission. In January 2024, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar recognised the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, citing majority support. The Election Commission later awarded the traditional bow-and-arrow symbol to Shinde’s group, forcing Uddhav’s faction to contest as Shiv Sena (UBT).

The current claims of seven MPs crossing over, if true, could further weaken Uddhav Thackeray’s position in national politics, where numbers matter in Parliament. The Shinde faction, already in power in the state with BJP, sees this as another opportunity to consolidate its hold over the original Shiv Sena legacy.

For now, both sides are digging in. The Shinde camp is projecting confidence, while the UBT side is playing down the reports and stressing unity. Political observers in Mumbai say such claims often surface ahead of important sessions to create pressure and test loyalties.

The coming days will be crucial. If even a couple of MPs do switch, it could trigger more movement. Maharashtra’s politics has rarely been stable since 2022, with multiple smaller shifts and realignments keeping the state in constant churn.

Uddhav Thackeray’s “they are free to leave” remark is being seen by some as a sign of quiet confidence and by others as acceptance of ground realities. The party that once dominated Mumbai and much of Maharashtra remains divided, with both factions claiming to be the true inheritors of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology.

As the Monsoon Session approaches, all eyes are on the seven names doing the rounds. Whether Tumane’s claims materialise or remain political posturing will soon become clear. For now, the speculation itself has added fresh heat to an already volatile political summer in the state.

The dispute over recognition of rebel TMC MPs is headed for a crucial review, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expected to hear both factions before taking a decision ahead of the Monsoon Session.

A significant political and parliamentary development is unfolding in the Lok Sabha as a group of rebel Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought separate recognition from the parent party. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to take a decision on the matter after hearing submissions from both the rebel faction and the leadership camp led by Mamata Banerjee.

According to parliamentary sources, the Speaker's office has initiated consultations with both sides and may also seek legal opinion before arriving at a final conclusion. The matter is likely to have implications for parliamentary procedure as well as anti-defection law interpretations.

Speaker Seeks Both Views

Sources indicated that invitations have been sent to representatives of the rival groups within the TMC to present their positions before the Speaker.

The move follows a memorandum submitted by 17 rebel MPs, who met the Speaker and sought recognition as a separate bloc in the Lok Sabha. The MPs also reportedly informed the Speaker about seating arrangements sought for their group and plans related to their political future.

Officials familiar with the process said the Speaker is keen to ensure that any decision taken can withstand legal scrutiny if challenged before judicial forums.

Legal Opinion Under Consideration

Parliamentary sources said the Speaker's office may consult the Ministry of Law and Justice before issuing its ruling.

The objective, according to sources, is to assess the constitutional and legal implications of the demand, particularly in relation to the anti-defection provisions contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The issue has attracted attention because the rebel MPs have reportedly proposed an association with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), raising questions about the legal validity of such a move.

Experts Cite Constitutional Limits

Constitutional experts have expressed reservations regarding the rebels' proposal.

Former Lok Sabha Secretary General and constitutional expert PDT Achary has reportedly stated that under existing anti-defection provisions, political parties—not individual MPs—have the authority to merge with another party.

According to this interpretation, legislators cannot independently decide to merge with another political formation without a corresponding decision by the parent party.

A former Election Commission official also described the proposed arrangement as unusual, noting that such a mechanism is not explicitly provided for under either the anti-defection law or the Representation of the People Act.

TMC Raises Procedural Objection

The Trinamool Congress has objected to the manner in which the consultation process was initiated.

Party sources claimed that an email was sent to Abhishek Banerjee on June 15 inviting him to appear before the Speaker within a short timeframe.

According to the party, Abhishek Banerjee was attending proceedings related to an Enforcement Directorate inquiry at the time and did not have immediate access to his communication devices.

TMC leaders have argued that adequate opportunity should be provided before any decision affecting parliamentary recognition is taken.

Rebels Signal NDA Support

The political significance of the dispute increased after rebel leaders publicly indicated their willingness to work with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Following their meeting with the Speaker, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar reportedly stated that more than two-thirds of the party's Lok Sabha MPs had supported the demand for separate recognition and that the group intended to cooperate with the NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The claim has been strongly contested by the TMC leadership.

NCPI Comes Into Focus

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India, which has figured prominently in the controversy, is registered in West Bengal with an address in Howrah district.

The party made its electoral debut in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections but secured a limited vote share. Political observers note that despite its modest electoral footprint, the party has now unexpectedly emerged at the centre of a potentially significant parliamentary dispute.

With the Monsoon Session approaching, attention is now focused on the Speaker's decision, which could set an important precedent regarding parliamentary group recognition, party affiliation and the interpretation of anti-defection provisions.

"This is what happens whenever anyone speaks out against the government or its ideology. There's nothing new in this," Dipke said, speaking to reporters in Nagpur where the party is holding a protest at Samvidhan Chowk at 4 PM.

The attack occurred on Monday when CJP workers had carried Dipke on their shoulders during a protest in Jaipur. Video footage shows some youths pushing through the crowd, grabbing his collar, and slapping him. The incident triggered chaos as angry workers surrounded and beat the attackers before police intervened.

Police have arrested five accused - Rohit Sharma, Rakesh Gurjar, Ajay Sharma, Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat, and Niket - on charges of disturbing peace. According to officials, the accused told police they were upset with Dipke's social media statements and CJP's working style.Following the incident, Dipke observed a two-minute silence in memory of students who committed suicide due to the NEET paper leak, after which the situation normalised.

Security tightened in Nagpur

With thousands expected to gather for today's protest, Nagpur Police have deployed extensive security across the city. Police Commissioner Ravindrakumar Singal said over 2,000 youths may participate.

Security arrangements include 4 DCPs, 3 ACPs, 18 police inspectors, 45 API and sub-inspectors, along with 470 male and 170 female police personnel. Two Riot Control Platoons are on standby. "Strict action will be taken against any attempt to disrupt law and order," Singal said.

Dipke: From US student to political sensation

Dipke, currently studying in the United States, returned to India on June 6. He previously served as Aam Aadmi Party's social media strategist between 2020-22.

The CJP was launched on May 16, a day after Supreme Court Chief Justice Suryakant remarked during a hearing that some unemployed youth were "like cockroaches" who become activists and attack the system.Within 26 days of formation, CJP's Instagram followers have reached 2.27 crore - surpassing BJP's 94 lakh and Congress's 1.37 crore followers. The party's Instagram account reportedly lost 2 lakh followers on June 16.

NEET controversy drives protests

The CJP has been demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak and other education system irregularities. Dipke called Monday's attack on him "an attack on democracy."The party's online petition seeking Pradhan's resignation claimed support from over 8 lakh people. Dipke has scheduled protests across multiple cities.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Further details on the investigation into the Jaipur attack are awaited.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continued its nationwide protest campaign on Saturday, with Sonam Wangchuk joining a rally in Hyderabad and a major demonstration scheduled in Bengaluru later in the day.

Hyderabad Rally Draws Attention

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) intensified its campaign seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding demonstrations in Hyderabad and Bengaluru on Saturday as the movement entered its ninth day.

Protesters gathered in Hyderabad earlier in the day, where activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk addressed supporters. Demonstrators raised slogans against the Education Ministry and reiterated their demand for Pradhan’s resignation. Organisers described the event as part of a coordinated nationwide outreach effort aimed at mobilising students and young voters.

Bengaluru Protest Scheduled

A second major protest was scheduled to take place in Bengaluru at 4 pm. Actor Prakash Raj was expected to participate in the demonstration, according to organisers.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was also set to reach Bengaluru as part of his ongoing cross-country campaign. The protest is expected to draw activists, students and supporters who have been following the movement through social media platforms.

Nine-Day Nationwide Campaign

The latest demonstrations mark another chapter in a series of protests organised by CJP across multiple cities.

The campaign began at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on June 6. It subsequently moved to Pune on June 11, Lucknow on June 12 and Amritsar on June 13 before reaching Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Each city has featured symbolic elements intended to connect the movement with issues of constitutional values, youth participation and political accountability. Organisers have used portraits of national figures and public symbols during the demonstrations to reinforce their messaging.

Rise of Abhijeet Dipke

Abhijeet Dipke, who founded the Cockroach Janata Party earlier this year, is currently pursuing studies in the United States and returned to India earlier this month to lead the campaign.

Before launching CJP, Dipke reportedly worked as a social media strategist with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) between 2020 and 2022. His political background has attracted attention as the new organisation seeks to position itself as a youth-driven movement focused on education and governance issues.

While CJP remains a newly formed political platform, its rapid growth on social media has generated considerable discussion online.

Origin of the Party

The formation of CJP has been linked to remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a court hearing on May 15. During the proceedings, he commented on unemployed youth and their later involvement in media, social media and activism.

The remarks sparked debate on social media, prompting Dipke to launch the Cockroach Janata Party on May 16. Soon after, the organisation established its online presence and began campaigning around education-related issues.

On May 22, supporters launched an online petition calling for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Organisers claimed the petition received support from more than eight lakh people, although independent verification of those figures was not immediately available.

Social Media Growth

One of the most notable aspects of CJP’s rise has been its social media reach. Party supporters claim that within weeks of its launch, the organisation accumulated millions of followers on Instagram and several lakh followers on X.

Political observers note that much of the movement’s visibility has come through digital platforms, particularly among younger audiences. However, its ability to convert online engagement into sustained political influence remains to be seen.

What Happens Next

With the Bengaluru protest expected to conclude the latest phase of demonstrations, organisers have indicated that additional programmes could be announced in the coming days.

For now, the campaign continues to focus on its central demand concerning the Education Minister, while seeking to build momentum through public rallies and social media mobilisation across different parts of the country.

The political temperature in West Bengal rose sharply on Saturday after reports emerged that veteran Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay met senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi. The development has triggered fresh speculation about a possible shift in political allegiance by one of the TMC’s most experienced parliamentarians at a time when the party is grappling with internal challenges and mounting pressure from investigative agencies.

According to sources, Bandyopadhyay was accompanied by TMC MP Satabdi Roy during the meeting at Yadav’s residence in the national capital. The discussion reportedly lasted for a considerable period, fueling rumors that a significant political decision could be on the horizon.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing turbulence within the Trinamool Congress following its disappointing performance in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Reports suggest that several party legislators and parliamentarians have distanced themselves from the current leadership, raising questions about the party’s internal cohesion.

Political Speculation Intensifies

Sources familiar with the developments claim that a section of rebel TMC MPs has already conveyed support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and communicated their position to the Lok Sabha Speaker. If Bandyopadhyay were to join the group, it could further weaken the TMC’s parliamentary strength and strengthen the BJP’s position in West Bengal politics.

Neither Bandyopadhyay nor the BJP has officially commented on the reports. However, the timing of the meeting has attracted significant political attention, particularly as the state prepares for a new phase of political realignment following the Assembly election outcome.

Political observers believe the next few days could prove crucial in determining whether the meeting was merely exploratory or part of a larger political move.

Investigations Add Pressure

The political speculation coincided with dramatic developments involving TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. A large contingent of West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police personnel reached Banerjee’s Kalighat residence in the early hours of Saturday. Central Armed Police Force personnel were also deployed outside the premises.

According to local sources, police officers arrived shortly after 3 a.m. and remained at the residence for several hours. While the purpose of the operation has not been officially disclosed, a seizure list prepared after the search reportedly recorded no recovery of incriminating material. Under the section describing seized articles, the document reportedly carried the entry “NIL.”

The police action comes amid multiple investigations involving Banerjee. Earlier this week, he was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for more than five hours in connection with an alleged Assembly signature forgery case. He has also been summoned again in connection with a separate cyber complaint.

Adding to the pressure, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Banerjee for questioning regarding the alleged primary teacher recruitment scam. Officials have scheduled his appearance before the agency on June 15.

Wider Probe Continues

The scrutiny of TMC leaders did not end there. On Saturday morning, ED officials conducted searches at several locations linked to TMC MLA Madan Mitra as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged municipal recruitment scam.

Search teams reportedly visited Mitra’s residences in Kamarhati and Bhawanipur, along with other locations connected to the probe. According to sources, searches were carried out across eight different premises.

The developments have intensified political debate in West Bengal, with opposition parties accusing the TMC leadership of facing increasing legal and administrative challenges. Meanwhile, TMC leaders have repeatedly alleged that investigative agencies are being used for political purposes, a charge denied by central authorities.

Bench rejects petition challenging Rajya Sabha nomination cancellation, says constitutional scheme bars interference once electoral process begins

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the cancellation of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, observing that judicial intervention in such matters would run contrary to the constitutional framework governing elections.

A bench comprising Justice P.K. Mishra heard arguments from senior advocates on both sides before concluding that the court's jurisdiction under Article 32 cannot be invoked in disputes arising during the ongoing election process.

Legal remedy barred

Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the contesting candidate, argued that the right to contest an election is statutory, not fundamental—a principle established in the Jyoti Basu case and reaffirmed in subsequent rulings.

Since no fundamental right stands violated, Rohatgi contended, a petition under Article 32 is not maintainable. Citing Article 329, he said courts cannot intervene under Articles 32 or 226 once the election process has begun and until results are declared. Any election-related grievance, he stressed, must be pursued through an election petition after the process completes.

Singhvi's intervention argument

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Natarajan, pushed back forcefully. He argued that while challenges to rejected nominations typically follow the election petition route, the Supreme Court can directly intervene in cases involving clear legal error.

Justice Mishra pressed Singhvi for precedents supporting such intervention after nomination rejection. Singhvi cited the Mohinder Singh Gill and Ashok Kumar cases, acknowledging the key question remained whether this case qualified under that exception.

The core legal error, Singhvi maintained, was that the returning officer had acted as if all legal requirements had been met when only a complaint existed—no cognisance, no chargesheet, no framed charges.

'Not a contest of perfect candidates'

Singhvi argued that excluding a candidate in this manner would limit voters' choices and raise questions about electoral fairness. "Elections are not meant to be contests only between 'perfect' candidates," he said. "Neither the Constitution nor reality supports that view."

He told the court that good governance requires elections to proceed smoothly and according to law, adding that the case was not dependent on the election result since the issue involved was much larger.

Overnight developments

Singhvi drew the court's attention to actions taken while the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. The election result was declared the previous night despite the court being scheduled to hear the case.

"This is the Supreme Court," Singhvi said. "When the court is seized of a dispute, its jurisdiction cannot be defeated by creating a fait accompli." He argued that actions taken overnight to render the hearing meaningless undermined the rule of law.

Political fallout

The Congress party had fielded Natarajan for the third Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh and claimed it had sufficient numbers to support her candidature. However, her nomination was rejected on June 9 after the BJP alleged she had failed to disclose a case registered against her.

A day earlier, BJP candidates Rajnish Agrawal, Tarun Chugh and Mahesh Kewat were elected unopposed to all three Rajya Sabha seats from the state.

Speaking at a Delhi press conference, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari termed the nomination cancellation unprecedented and questioned whether the country was moving towards autocracy. He claimed Congress needed 58 MLAs to win and had support from other legislators, while the BJP was short by 10 MLAs.

What lies ahead

With the Supreme Court declining to intervene, legal experts suggest Natarajan's options are now limited to filing an election petition under the Representation of the People Act—a remedy that can only be pursued after the completion of the electoral process. The ruling reaffirms the judiciary's consistent position of maintaining distance from election disputes until the process reaches its natural conclusion.

The Meenakshi Natarajan nomination row has escalated politically, with Congress legislators gathering in Delhi for a protest march while the Supreme Court is set to hear the challenge against the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination.

Congress Mobilises in Delhi

The political battle over the rejection of Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination is set to intensify on Thursday, with party legislators from Madhya Pradesh arriving in Delhi for a coordinated protest and legal push.

Led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, Congress MLAs are expected to march towards Rashtrapati Bhavan shortly. The party has also scheduled a press conference in the national capital, where senior leaders are likely to outline their position on the controversy surrounding Natarajan’s candidature.

Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari, state in-charge Harish Chaudhary and Singhar are expected to address the media.

Supreme Court Hearing Today

Alongside the political mobilisation, attention is focused on the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear the Congress challenge against the rejection of Natarajan’s nomination papers.

The party is hopeful that the court may provide relief and examine whether the nomination was rejected in accordance with established electoral and legal procedures.

The outcome of the hearing could have a direct bearing on the ongoing Rajya Sabha election process in Madhya Pradesh and determine whether further steps are required by election authorities.

Nomination Rejected During Scrutiny

The controversy began on June 9 when Returning Officer Arvind Sharma rejected Natarajan’s nomination during the scrutiny process.

The decision came after objections were raised by BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat and other BJP leaders. They alleged that Natarajan had failed to disclose details of a pending legal matter in a Telangana court in her election affidavit submitted as part of Form 26.

Election affidavits require candidates to provide information regarding criminal cases, assets, liabilities and other declarations mandated under election rules.

BJP Raises Disclosure Concerns

The Bharatiya Janata Party has maintained that the rejection was based on deficiencies in the nomination documents and was in line with electoral norms.

According to the objections submitted by BJP leaders, the alleged omission related to information that should have been disclosed in the affidavit accompanying the nomination papers.

Congress, however, has questioned both the grounds and the manner in which the nomination was rejected. Party leaders have argued that the decision deprived their candidate of a fair opportunity and has wider implications for democratic representation.

Legal Questions at Centre

Legal observers say the Supreme Court hearing is likely to focus on whether the Returning Officer acted within the framework of election law and whether principles of natural justice were adequately followed.

Congress is expected to argue that the rejection was disproportionate and that procedural fairness was not maintained. On the other hand, election authorities and the opposing side are likely to defend the Returning Officer’s decision as being consistent with statutory requirements.

The court’s observations could provide clarity on the extent of scrutiny powers available to election officials during the nomination process.

Political Stakes Remain High

The issue has quickly become a major political flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders view the rejection as a challenge to the party’s participation in the Rajya Sabha election, while the BJP has defended the electoral process and the objections raised against the nomination.

With both political and legal developments unfolding simultaneously in Delhi, the Supreme Court’s response and the Congress protest march are expected to shape the next phase of the dispute.

The Meenakshi Natarajan nomination case is likely to remain under close watch as parties await judicial clarity and possible implications for the Rajya Sabha election process.

Student-led outfit threatens indefinite Delhi sit-in from June 20 if Dharmendra Pradhan is not removed over exam irregularities.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday initiated a fresh phase of its student-led nationwide stir from Pune, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The agitation, which follows a sizeable rally at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 6, marks a major escalation in public dissatisfaction surrounding alleged irregularities, paper leaks, and technical glitches in national entrance and recruitment exams.

Organisers stated that the agitation will quickly expand from Pune to other major urban hubs, including Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. The youth outfit has issued an ultimatum to the Centre, warning of an indefinite, peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar from June 20 if their demand to sack the education minister is not met.

Pune becomes the new flashpoint

The choice of Pune for kicking off the state-level rallies drew considerable student traction on Thursday morning. The city’s prominent coaching and educational hubs saw scattered student groups assembling under the CJP banner. Local authorities deployed additional police personnel around key university premises to maintain law and order, though the demonstrations remained peaceful through the afternoon.

Sonam Wangchuk lends high-profile support

In a significant boost to the movement’s visibility, prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to join the Pune leg of the agitation. Organisers believe Wangchuk’s participation will broaden the appeal of the CJP Pune protest, transforming it from a youth-centric grievance cell into a larger civic movement for institutional accountability. The party has actively appealed to parents, teachers, and civil society members to join the demonstrations.

Deadlines set for Delhi escalation

Should the Union government choose to ignore the current wave of city-level agitations, the CJP plans to move its base back to the national capital. A major pan-India student convergence is being planned for June 20. "The proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar will not be a one-day affair. It will be an indefinite, peaceful sit-in until the minister steps down voluntarily or is removed," a senior volunteer associated with the campaign stated.

Deep-seated anger over exam leaks

The current friction stems from the June 6 Jantar Mantar mobilisation, which saw thousands of students from various states hitting the streets. The core grievances focus on systemic failures within national-level testing bodies. Repeated disruptions, sudden cancellations, and leaks have derailed academic calendars and left millions of aspirants stranded, severely denting public faith in the country's central educational apparatus.

Digital momentum vs ground reality

Despite garnering massive traction online—including an online petition on the party's website that secured over 800,000 signatures in days—the CJP faces distinct organizational challenges on the ground. Observers note that while the party possesses over 22 million Instagram followers, translating digital outrage into physical booth-level political capital remains a hurdle.

Unlike the structured 2011 India Against Corruption movement, the CJP currently lacks an established pan-India cadre network. Furthermore, the party's platform has expanded rapidly to include disparate issues like infrastructure, taxation, and regional crises, which critics argue might dilute its core focus on educational reform.

Genesis of the unique nomenclature

The unusual name of the party traces back to May 15, following controversial remarks attributed to a judicial bench. During a legal hearing, observations comparing certain vocal, unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites" attacking the system sparked widespread online outrage.

Responding to the remarks, digital activist Abhijeet Dipke launched the 'Cockroach Janta Party' from the US on May 16 via social media platforms. What began as a symbolic, satirical protest has rapidly morphed into a coordinated pressure group capable of organizing coordinated on-ground rallies across multiple Indian states.

The Supreme Court will take up Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge against her Rajya Sabha nomination cancellation on Friday, even as the Election Commission maintains it hasn't received the petition copy.

 The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a Congress petition on Friday challenging the rejection of Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers. The petition, filed digitally at 1:48 am on Wednesday night, alleges the Returning Officer's decision was "illegal, arbitrary, and biased."

 EC Yet to Receive Papers

The Election Commission of India has clarified that it hasn't received a copy of the petition so far. According to officials familiar with the matter, the poll body is likely to seek legal opinion before taking any decision. The EC's stance has only added to the political uncertainty, with Congress leaders expressing growing frustration over the delay.

 3 PM Deadline Today

Thursday afternoon's 3 pm cutoff carries enormous weight – it's the final window for nomination withdrawals. If the Commission remains silent or rules against Congress by then, BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat will be declared elected unopposed. Two other BJP candidates, Tarun Chugh and Rajneesh Agrawal, are already set to win without contest, which would hand the BJP all three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh.

Congress leaders are scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu later today to raise the matter. A high-level strategy meeting is also underway at the party's Delhi headquarters to map out legal and political responses.

 What Happens Next

Legal experts point to several possible outcomes. Former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat said if the EC finds an error by the returning officer, Natarajan's nomination could be restored, making the election contested again. If no relief comes from the Commission, the Congress candidate stays out of the race.

The 3 pm deadline is critical because any EC decision favouring Congress must arrive before the withdrawal window shuts. If that doesn't happen, the party may seek judicial review and interim relief from the Supreme Court – though filing a petition alone won't stop the election process unless the Court intervenes.

 Why Nomination Was Rejected

The dispute traces back to June 9, when Returning Officer Arvind Sharma rejected Natarajan's nomination following objections raised by BJP candidates. The BJP alleged that Natarajan failed to disclose a pending legal matter in Telangana in her election affidavit (Form 26).

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Congress before the Election Commission, argued that no criminal case exists against Natarajan. He explained that the Telangana matter is only a private complaint where a court issued a notice seeking explanation – no charges have been framed. Congress maintains that unless a court formally takes cognisance and frames charges, it cannot be treated as a pending criminal case requiring disclosure.

The party has termed the rejection "illegal" and described it as an attempt to "steal seats." With the clock ticking, this has now escalated into a political and constitutional battle involving the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, and the President's office.

Student-led movement expands to Pune and six other cities; indefinite sit-in threatened if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not step down

The Cockroach Janta Party, the student-driven political outfit that emerged from a controversial remark by Chief Justice Suryakant, has kicked off a fresh round of nationwide demonstrations beginning Wednesday in Pune, with organisers warning of an indefinite sit-in at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign by June 20.

From Pune to Hyderabad

Wednesday's protest in Pune marks the opening salvo of what CJP has described as a multi-city mobilisation drive. From Pune, the demonstrations are set to roll out across Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Hyderabad in the days ahead. The party has called on students, parents, teachers, and ordinary citizens to participate, framing the protests as a collective push for transparency and accountability in India's examination and education systems.

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to join the Pune demonstration, a development that is likely to draw additional attention to the movement.

June 20 Deadline and Sit-In Threat

CJP has set a clear ultimatum. If the Education Minister neither resigns voluntarily nor is removed by the government before June 20, the party says students from across the country will converge at Jantar Mantar for a peaceful but indefinite sit-in. The June 6 rally at the same venue had already drawn a large turnout, with participants from multiple states voicing anger over alleged paper leaks, examination irregularities, technical glitches, and administrative failures in national-level recruitment and entrance tests.

A Movement Born from a Courtroom Remark

The CJP's origin is unusual, even by Indian political standards. During a May 15 hearing, Chief Justice Suryakant — sitting alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi — reportedly referred to unemployed youth as "cockroaches," suggesting that such individuals go on to become media figures, social media activists, or RTI applicants who then "attack the system." The bench also used the word "parasites" in the same context.

The remarks triggered swift backlash. Within 24 hours, on May 16, Abhijeet Dipke — based in the United States — launched the Cockroach Janata Party on X and Instagram. By May 22, an online petition demanding Pradhan's resignation had gone live on the party's website and ultimately crossed 800,000 signatures.

Challenges Ahead for the Movement

Despite the momentum, analysts and observers have flagged several structural weaknesses. The turnout at the June 6 Jantar Mantar rally, while notable, was modest compared to the party's 22 million Instagram followers — pointing to a recurring challenge in Indian protest politics: converting online energy into on-ground participation.

The movement also lacks the kind of multi-organisational backing that powered the 2011 Anna Hazare agitation. That movement had the Lokpal Bill as a singular, unambiguous demand. CJP's platform, by contrast, has expanded to cover a broad sweep of grievances — from Manipur and water shortages to taxation and corruption — which could dilute its focus and make it harder to build a unified support base beyond social media.

The party has no established presence at the booth or district level, and its leadership has limited political experience. Whether CJP can translate its viral appeal into sustained street-level pressure — and eventually, electoral relevance — remains an open question.

What Comes Next

For now, the movement's immediate test is whether the June 11 protests in Pune generate the kind of visible turnout that forces a response from New Delhi. The June 20 deadline adds urgency to that question. With Sonam Wangchuk's expected presence in Pune and cities across India scheduled for demonstrations in the coming days, CJP is clearly working to build a credible show of scale before its self-imposed ultimatum runs out.

A 10-member delegation met poll officials in Delhi, which assured a decision within two hours. In Bhopal, Congress workers hung an RSS uniform at the CEO office gate.

The Congress party on Wednesday knocked on the doors of the Election Commission of India (ECI), challenging the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination papers in Madhya Pradesh. The move came less than 24 hours after Returning Officer (RO) Arpit Sharma invalidated her candidature, triggering sharp political reactions and street protests across the state.

Delhi Meeting, EC Assurance

A Congress delegation, including senior leaders K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Bhupesh Baghel, and Sachin Pilot, met with poll officials in the capital. Party MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a senior advocate, argued that the RO’s decision had no legal basis.

“The grounds on which the nomination was rejected do not exist in the law. There was no criminal case that required disclosure,” Singhvi told reporters after the meeting. He clarified that Natarajan had only received a court notice, not a formal charge. “A notice asking if proceedings should begin is not a pending criminal case.”

According to Leader of Opposition in the MP Assembly Umang Singhar, the Commission assured the delegation of a decision within two hours.

Bhopal Protest Turns Symbolic

In the state capital, the protest took an unusual turn. Congress workers gathered outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) but found the gates shut. In response, they hung a uniform of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the main gate before leaving the spot.

The action was a direct rejoinder to the BJP’s repeated claims linking Congress to a specific ideological posture. Meanwhile, a separate collective fast was underway at Roshanpura Square in Bhopal, where former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and several other leaders sat on a day-long hunger strike.

The Legal Dispute

The controversy revolves around a private complaint filed against Natarajan in a Hyderabad court. The RO had cited the non-disclosure of this case, arguing that a summons issued on September 17, 2025, made it a “pending” matter.

Singhvi, however, rejected this interpretation. “Under election law, a candidate only needs to disclose cases where the court has taken cognizance and framed charges for an offence carrying two years or more in jail. Here, the magistrate hasn’t even taken cognizance yet,” he explained. He termed the RO’s decision “legally malicious.”

A Contrast in Jharkhand

Adding to Congress’s argument of a double standard, party workers pointed to a simultaneous election process in Jharkhand. There, the RO has declared the nomination of NDA-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani as valid, despite objections from Congress over discrepancies in his name on affidavits.

A Congress functionary noted that while the Jharkhand RO gave time until the next day to respond to objections, the MP RO rejected Natarajan’s form within hours of raising a query. “Two states, two rules in one election,” said state women’s Congress chief Reena Borasi.

Political Fallout

The ruling BJP dismissed the protests as a face-saving tactic. State minister Vishwas Sarang alleged the Congress deliberately filed a defective nomination, fearing cross-voting by its own MLAs. “They knew at least 25 of their legislators would vote for our candidate. To save their own shame, they got the form cancelled,” Sarang claimed.

Congress legislators, however, remained defiant. Some lawmakers in Bhopal raised the pitch, with MLA Dinesh Gurjar making sharp remarks about being the “first to throw a stone” at the chief minister’s residence if a protest was called. Other leaders, like Vikrant Bhuria, labelled the poll panel a "commission of brokers."

With the last date for withdrawal of nominations still open, the Congress has indicated it may approach the Supreme Court if the EC does not rule in its favour.

Party leaders submit application against cancellation of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha bid, vow to move Supreme Court

In a dramatic late-night protest, senior Congress leaders led by former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel sat on a dharna outside the Election Commission office in Delhi on Tuesday, protesting the rejection of party candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh.

The protest, which stretched past midnight, saw the presence of prominent faces including Sachin Pilot, K C Venugopal, and Jairam Ramesh.

Late-Night Protest Outside EC

Baghel and other leaders arrived at the commission's office around evening hours, only to find the premises closed. Unwilling to wait until morning, they chose to stage a sit-in demonstration.

"Returning officer in Madhya Pradesh had given a hearing time of 5:30 PM. At that very time, the office shut down. Where do we submit our application against the decision to reject Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination?" Baghel said from the protest site.

He added that an office clerk eventually accepted their application after they sat on dharna. "Only after we submit our formal application will the path open to approach the court," the Congress leader explained.

What Sparked the Row

The Madhya Pradesh returning officer Arvind Sharma on Tuesday rejected Natarajan's nomination papers following objections raised by the BJP. According to political observers, with this rejection, all three Rajya Sabha seats from the state now have BJP candidates heading for unopposed election.

The BJP had alleged that Natarajan suppressed information about a pending case in a Hyderabad court while filing her nomination papers. The returning officer issued a show-cause notice, seeking a response by 5:30 PM Tuesday. Not satisfied with the Congress candidate's reply, the officer proceeded to cancel the nomination.

 Congress Alleges Conspiracy

Party leaders have accused the Election Commission of functioning under pressure from the ruling BJP. "The nomination cancellation is wrong and amounts to a political conspiracy," Baghel asserted.

Congress sources indicated that the party is preparing to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Their argument rests on the nature of the pending matter – party leaders claim it is not even a criminal case where the court has taken cognizance.

Three BJP Candidates Now in Fray

The election for three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh is scheduled for June 18. Initially, four candidates were in the running – three from the BJP and Natarajan from Congress. With her nomination struck down, only three candidates remain in the contest, all belonging to the BJP.

Ahead of the polls, the Congress had already shifted nearly 48 of its party MLAs to Bengaluru in an apparent bid to prevent poaching attempts.

Party leaders say they will continue pressing the Election Commission and are exploring all legal options available. The coming days will determine whether the matter reaches the Supreme Court and if the Congress nominee can secure any relief before the June 18 polling date.