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compliance with commitments allegedly made to young protesters on July 25, following which the nationwide protests were withdrawn.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.

Kriti Sanon’s latest festive appearance has triggered a debate on social media after the actor featured in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement wearing a contemporary outfit.

In the advertisement, Kriti Sanon is seen in an off-white bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt. While the actor has previously experimented with contemporary interpretations of traditional fashion, some social media users criticised her look in the festive campaign.

The criticism was directed particularly at the choice of outfit for a Raksha Bandhan-themed advertisement, with several users questioning whether the look was appropriate for the occasion.

Advertisement’s pet dog sequence also draws reactions

The concept of the advertisement also became a point of discussion online. In the campaign, Kriti is seen tying a traditional rakhi on a dog after the pet barks at her.

The advertisement presents the ritual as a way of including the pet in the family’s Raksha Bandhan celebrations. However, several social media users questioned the decision to include the dog in the festive ritual.

Some commenters accused the brand of making a mockery of Indian festivals, while others said they disagreed with the overall concept of the advertisement.

Social media users criticise Kriti Sanon’s festive look

Kriti Sanon’s outfit became one of the main talking points among those criticising the advertisement. Some users described the outfit as inappropriate for a Raksha Bandhan campaign.

One social media user wrote that Kriti was tying rakhi in a “bra kinda attire” and questioned the use of such an outfit during the festival.

Another commenter compared the treatment of Raksha Bandhan with other festivals and criticised the advertisement’s presentation of the celebration.

Other reactions focused on traditional elements associated with Raksha Bandhan. One user questioned the absence of a puja thali and tilak while also criticising Kriti’s outfit.

A separate comment objected to the inclusion of the dog, arguing that the campaign was not representative of the traditional spirit of Raksha Bandhan.

These comments reflect the views of individual social media users and do not establish a broader consensus about the advertisement.

Kriti Sanon yet to respond to criticism

The Raksha Bandhan advertisement continues to receive mixed reactions on social media. While some users have criticised the actor’s outfit and the campaign’s concept, Kriti Sanon is yet to respond to the criticism.

The debate comes as brands increasingly use contemporary interpretations of traditional festivals in advertising, with the campaign’s presentation becoming a subject of discussion among social media users.

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.