Barely six weeks after withdrawing its nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak issue, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a peaceful march in Delhi on September 5, accusing the government of failing to honour commitments it says were made on July 25.

The satirical group said the march will begin at India Gate and conclude at the Delhi Police Headquarters. It has appealed to students, youth organisations and young citizens to participate in large numbers.

According to the CJP, parents of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and victims of alleged police brutality will lead the march.

Why has CJP announced the march?

The CJP said its National Working Committee reviewed the government’s compliance with commitments allegedly made to young protesters on July 25, following which the nationwide protests were withdrawn.

The group alleged that the government has since delayed action and avoided providing clear commitments on some of its demands.

The CJP had earlier demanded the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak, and an assurance that protesters would not face legal action.

The agitation was called off after the group said the government had agreed to fulfil its demands.

CJP raises issue of FIRs against protesters

The CJP has also alleged that the government did not provide a list of FIRs registered against protesters across the country for quashing, despite what it said was a request from the Supreme Court.

The group further claimed that the government had not given a clear commitment on the issue and that a written assurance to the CJP was still awaited.

“The National Working Committee of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convened today to review the Government of India and BJP/NDA ruled states’ compliance with the solemn commitments made to the young people of this country on 25 July 2026,” the group said in its statement.

It alleged that the government was “playing delay games” and “hiding behind technicalities” instead of implementing the commitments it said had been made.

CJP’s earlier protests over NEET leak

The CJP’s earlier agitation over the NEET paper leak had included protests by its volunteers and students. The demonstrations gained momentum after protesters marching towards Parliament were lathi-charged by Delhi Police, according to the group.

The clashes left several protesters injured, while police personnel were also injured.

The CJP later called off its agitation after saying that its key demand for Pradhan’s resignation had been met and that the government had agreed to address its other demands.

With the latest announcement, the group has now called for another mobilisation in Delhi on September 5.

The US Department of Homeland Security is planning to propose a major increase in the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register on Monday.

The proposed changes could significantly increase the cost of employing foreign nationals in the United States if they are implemented. They could also affect students moving from universities into employment and employers sponsoring H-1B workers.

The proposals are particularly significant for Indians, who accounted for 71 per cent of H-1B beneficiaries among the petitions approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2024.

Proposed H-1B and OPT fees

The Trump administration is planning new fees related to the H-1B and F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes.

According to immigration services firm Fragomen, the proposed rules have already moved through the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Fragomen said a proposed rule concerning an OPT fee was sent to the OMB on August 20 and was under review. A separate proposal concerning a fee on certain H-1B petitions was received by the OMB and cleared review on August 19.

The contents of the proposed regulations have not yet been officially released.

Fragomen also noted that the Department of Homeland Security could propose a $100,000 fee on OPT applications. The proposed H-1B fee could also be linked to ongoing legal proceedings concerning the administration’s previously blocked $100,000 H-1B petition fee.

Indians account for over 70% of H-1B beneficiaries

The proposed fee increase could have a substantial impact on Indian nationals because they make up the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services approved 399,402 H-1B petitions in 2024, with Indian-born beneficiaries accounting for 71 per cent of them.

If the proposed regulations are eventually implemented, the higher costs could affect foreign workers as well as US employers that sponsor H-1B employees.

More than 5.2 million people of Indian origin live in the United States, according to recent estimates based on US Census data.

Proposed end to 60-day H-1B grace period

The potential fee increases come alongside another proposed immigration change affecting H-1B workers.

Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security proposed eliminating the existing 60-day grace period for certain H-1B workers whose employment ends before their authorised period of stay expires.

Under the proposal, affected workers and their dependants could be required to leave the US almost immediately if the regulation is finalised.

The proposed change would remove the existing 60-day grace period for certain workers and their dependants when the employment supporting their immigration status ends before their authorised stay expires.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has added a new twist to his public image as he steps up outreach to Gen Z through the nationwide “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who became known for wearing T-shirts during the 2022 Bharat Jodo Yatra, has recently been seen in brightly coloured shirts at several student-focused events.

The change marks a departure from the white T-shirts that became closely associated with his appearance during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when he walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

From white T-shirts to colourful shirts

Rahul Gandhi wore white T-shirts during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, including during its winter leg. He subsequently continued to appear in T-shirts at party programmes and political events.

The style also became a subject of political criticism, with the BJP repeatedly targeting Gandhi over his choice of attire and describing him as “non-serious”.

Gandhi, however, continued with the T-shirt look and it was also adopted by some Congress leaders who had traditionally appeared in kurta-pyjamas.

His latest appearances have brought a more colourful wardrobe into focus.

Rahul Gandhi’s colourful appearances

Gandhi wore a blue shirt at the first “Chhatron Ki Goonj” event in Kota, where he addressed the issue of paper leaks.

In Dehradun, he was seen wearing a shirt instead of his usual T-shirt. At an event in Allahabad, he wore a pink shirt while interacting with students, drawing discussion on social media.

He later appeared in a yellow shirt at an event in Pune.

The Pune programme focused specifically on female students and working women, with Gandhi addressing issues related to women’s safety, freedom and rights.

Congress steps up Gen Z outreach

The “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme is part of Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to young people, with paper leaks and issues affecting students among the subjects being highlighted.

The Congress is also seeking to engage young women through programmes and interactions focused on issues concerning them.

Youth and women remain important voter groups in elections, and the Congress is increasingly focusing its outreach on Gen Z as it seeks to strengthen its connection with younger voters.

Gandhi’s colourful shirts have consequently become an additional talking point during his latest student and youth engagements.