Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE Updates: CJP Says Demands Accepted, Vows To Continue Fight Beyond NEET Protest

Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said that he would carry out the responsibility to the best of his ability. “I have been entrusted with this responsibility, and I will fulfil it to the best of my ability,” he said, adding that he understands

Joshi said he accepted the responsibility with humility and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing his trust in him. He also credited former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and said he would work with dedication to further strengthen the country’s education system. Read More

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Education Minister following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday. He has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education.

The development comes after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan’s resignation. The President has directed that Joshi, a Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education in addition to his existing portfolio. Read More

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday participated in a candlelight rally in Hyderabad to protest the Delhi Police action against demonstrators during the July 20 protests in the national capital.

The rally was held from People’s Plaza to the Indira Gandhi statue, where the Congress leader joined supporters in expressing solidarity with the protesters and condemning the police crackdown.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on Saturday welcomed the Centre’s decision to accept the protesters’ key demands, saying the youth of the country had fought for their rights and finally secured justice.

Speaking to ANI, Ranka said, “The youth of this country has woken up. It has fought for its rights. It has fought for what is right. And today, finally, our demands have been accepted.”

He said the organisation was remembering the families of students who lost their loved ones following the alleged paper leaks and those whose futures had been affected.

“We are thinking about all those families who lost their near and dear ones after the paper leaks. We are thinking about those lakhs and crores of students whose futures have been destroyed because of these paper leaks. And we really hope that some justice has been served today,” he said.

Ranka added that the movement would not stop with the NEET issue and expressed hope that the next Education Minister would work with honesty and accountability.

“Whoever becomes the next Education Minister, we hope they will do their work with honesty and accountability. We will go across the country and raise other issues, like we raised the issue of education. For the youth of this country, we will do whatever it takes,” he said.

Even after the Centre’s third round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the organisation signalled that its agitation is far from over, saying the movement will now expand across the country.

Speaking to ANI, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said, “This is just a trailer. The picture is still to come. The youth of the country have awakened. The youth of the country will solve all the problems in this country.”

He added that the movement would continue beyond the ongoing protests. “As a party, as a movement, this is obviously not ending. Now we will go across the country, listen to the youth, bring the best policies for them, and continue to demand accountability from everyone. This is just the beginning. There is much more to be done,” Das said.

Internet services have been restored near Jantar Mantar hours after CJP announced to end the protest and asked protestors to leave for home.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday congratulated students who participated in the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, describing the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a victory for the youth.

In a post on X, Stalin wrote, “The farmers of India did it first. The youth have done it today.”

Congratulating the protesters, he added, “Congratulations to the youth of India who protested across the country, both offline and online, and made this victory possible.”

Drawing a parallel with the repeal of the three farm laws, Stalin said, “Just as the farm laws were repealed, we shall ensure that #NEET is also abolished.”

Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday defended the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying the Centre had acted responsibly while accusing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of trying to exploit the protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

Reacting to Pradhan’s resignation, Vijayendra said, “Dharmendra Pradhan has tendered his resignation. The entire country is witnessing how a peaceful protest was going on in Delhi; antisocial elements, and also Rahul Gandhi as well as the Congress party, tried to exploit the situation.”

He further said the government had already taken steps to address the issue, adding, “We have been witnessing a lot of violence across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts and vigorous punishment for the culprits who are involved in this NEET tragedy.”

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday announced that entry gates at all metro stations across the Delhi Metro network have been reopened.

In a service update posted on X, the DMRC said, “Entry gates of all Metro Stations of the Delhi Metro network are now open.”

The announcement came after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called off its 49-day-long protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak following talks with the Centre. Earlier in the day, entry gates at several key stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, had been regulated due to the protest.

leak, Delhi Police on Saturday appealed to students to disperse peacefully and cooperate with security personnel.

Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Devesh Chandra Srivastava said, “I appeal to the students to return from here peacefully and wherever they are going on the way cooperate with the police personnel on duty and maintain peace and order.”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being directly responsible for the alleged violence against students during the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. He also reiterated his demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to the students.

Addressing the media after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ended its 49-day-long agitation, Gandhi alleged, “The first thing is that we hold Mr Amit Shah directly responsible for the violence that has taken place.”

He further claimed, “He authorised the use of lethal weapons on students,” adding, “We will not accept our own forces shooting the future of India.”

Reiterating one of the students’ demands, Gandhi said, “The students have got the demand of getting an apology from the PM.”

The Congress leader argued that the protest reflected deeper institutional problems. “The deeper reason why this protest is happening is because the Indian system – education, media system has been destroyed,” he said.

Referring to the country’s broader challenges, Gandhi added, “We are facing a time of serious economic crisis.” He urged the government to treat the outcome of the protests as a warning, saying, “The govt should be aware what’s happened here is just one step. The govt needs to start listening to what the people of India wants to say.”

Calling the movement a message to the Centre, Gandhi said, “This is a warning to govt that you can’t run India the way you want.” He also alleged, “All these institutions do not belong to the media.”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sharpened his attack on the Centre following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling him a symbol of corruption and incompetence and demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to students affected by the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

Addressing the media after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ended its 49-day-long protest, Gandhi described the resignation as a victory for students who had fought for accountability.

“First of all, to all the students… it’s their victory, it’s their win. They are the future of this country,” Gandhi said.

Claiming that India’s education system had been weakened over the years, he said, “It’s established in the whole world that the education system of India is great and for years it’s been captured and privatised.” He further added, “Our education system was the best in the world,” and alleged that “for years our education system was sabotaged.”

Targeting the former education minister, Gandhi said, “Pradhan is a symbol of corruption, disruption of education system, incompetence.” He added that “he had to leave. It’s good he’s left. Now concrete step to improve the education system will have to be pursued by the government.”

The Congress leader further said “Pradhan was incompetent” and alleged that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was responsible for the situation, then “RSS is also at fault.”

Demanding action against those responsible for the alleged assault on students during the protests, Gandhi said “those who attacked students, action should be taken against them.” He also reiterated that “PM Modi should apologise to the students of the country.”

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday congratulated students after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called off its 50-day-long protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, saying the movement had achieved an important milestone.

Addressing supporters, Wangchuk said, “I congratulate the youth of the country and appeal to them to maintain peace.”

Calling the outcome a victory for the movement, he added, “Truth has prevailed today.”

Expressing hope for the future, Wangchuk said, “I hope new India will be born today.”

He also stressed the need for reforms, saying, “There should be change in education system.”

The CJP earlier announced the withdrawal of its nationwide agitation after claiming that the Centre had accepted all of its demands following three rounds of talks, including the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday announced the immediate withdrawal of its nationwide agitation after holding the third round of talks with the Centre, claiming that all of its demands had been accepted.

In a statement, the organisation said, “With immediate effect we withdraw the protest….we appeal to all the protestors to go back home peacefully.” It also announced, “We withdraw the agitation.”

Addressing the media after the meeting, BJP president J.P. Nadda said the government had agreed to withdraw the FIRs registered against the protesters. “FIR against the protestors will be taken back and no further action will be taken against them,” he said.

Nadda also assured that “whatever possible compensation will be given” and added that the government had held “detailed discussion” with the protesters. Referring to the negotiations, he said, “This is the third round of talks today.”

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday announced the end of its nationwide protest after the government accepted all of its demands.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday claimed that the Centre had accepted its second major demand following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In a message shared by CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka, the organisation said, “Our first demand has been met.” It further claimed, “Our second demand for the withdrawal of the FIR has also been accepted.”

The claim comes amid the ongoing student-led agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. However, there has been no official confirmation from the government regarding the alleged withdrawal of the FIR.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 following widespread student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy marks a major political inflection point. By accepting the exit of a senior cabinet minister, sources say the government aims to break a week-long parliamentary deadlock and reclaim control of its legislative agenda during the ongoing monsoon session. Read More

Soon after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, Cockroach Janta Praty (CJP) co-founder Abhijeet Dipke posted a brief message on X, appearing to signal a pause after weeks of protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

“Going to take a nap. See you all in a little while,” Dipke wrote, adding the hashtags #JaiHind and #JaiBhim. Read More

The government is holding meeting with CJP delegation at Constitution Club.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday announced that entry gates at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations have been closed until further notice.

In a service update posted on X, DMRC said, “Entry gates for Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations are now open.”

Passengers have been advised to plan their journey accordingly and check official DMRC updates for the latest information on metro services.

The representatives of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) arrived at the Constitution Club for third round of talks with government.

Protesters resorted to stone pelting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar shortly after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. To regain control of the volatile situation, security forces deployed tear gas and carried out a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

A video posted by the CJP captured the electric moment news of Pradhan’s resignation broke at Jantar Mantar, showing founder Abhijeet Dipke and thousands of gathered protesters erupting into cheers. Read More

Reacting after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the development showed that public pressure could hold those in power accountable.

“Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. This proves that if you do not get scared or bow down before this government, you can seek anyone’s resignation. Do not be afraid in a democracy,” Dipke said.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has tendered his resignation, citing the need to ensure that the situation arising from the Jantar Mantar protests does not affect national unity or students’ future.

In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan wrote, “…To ensure that anti-national elements are not benefited by the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their careers, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister..”

Fresh clashes broke out at Jantar Mantar between security personnel and protesters during the ongoing student agitation.

According to Delhi Police, protesters allegedly pelted stones at police and RAF personnel while officials were briefing the media at the Police Headquarters. A Sub-Inspector sustained a head injury after being hit by a stone.

Police and RAF personnel responded by firing tear gas shells. Despite repeated appeals to maintain peace, protesters continued throwing stones, water bottles and other objects at security personnel on Sansad Marg.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amid mounting pressure over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

Talks between the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the government, which were scheduled earlier, will now take place around 4 pm, according to sources. The meeting time is expected to be confirmed from the government side as well.

DCP Central Rohit Rajbir Singh on Saturday said that the police investigation has found several social media accounts operated from Pakistan allegedly spreading fake content related to the protests.

He said Delhi Police, along with concerned agencies, is working to identify more such accounts. More than 400 social media handles have been identified and blocked for allegedly circulating AI-generated content, deepfake videos, edited images and other misleading material.

Singh added that some of these accounts were also active during Operation Sindoor and allegedly spread misinformation by manipulating official statements of senior officers and altering visual content.

Stone pelting was reported during students’ protest in Bihar’s Aurangabad over the NEET-UG paper leak issue, with injuries reported.

More details are awaited.

A clash broke out between police and protesters during a statewide shutdown called over the alleged NEET paper leak issue and the police action during student protests in the state.

Heavy police deployment was seen in the area as protesters gathered, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das on Saturday accused Delhi Police of preventing citizens from reaching Jantar Mantar and alleged intimidation during the ongoing protests.

In a post on X, Das demanded that the police stop what he called the “unlawful detention” and intimidation of citizens and refrain from creating a “fear and siege” atmosphere around the protest site.

A 21-year-old woman admitted to Delhi’s Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital following a protest-related incident is showing steady improvement, the hospital said in a health update.

The patient was extubated nearly 72 hours ago and is breathing independently. She is conscious, alert, responding to commands, and has started tolerating oral feeds.

Her condition remains stable, though she continues to be monitored closely by a team of specialists.

BJP leader Amit Malviya on Saturday questioned the CJP-led student protests over alleged paper leaks, accusing its leaders of selective outrage.

In a post on X, Malviya asked why the protesters were targeting some states while remaining silent on others, including Punjab and Karnataka. He also suggested that if Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was serious about education reforms, he could appoint Sonam Wangchuk as Punjab’s Education Minister instead of supporting “politically motivated protests.”

Sonam Wangchuk, who began a 26-day hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesting against the NEET-UG paper leak, said he was “treated like a prisoner” at the Safdarjung Hospital after he was taken away by police on July 18. Read More

The video, which has gone viral on social media, was reportedly recorded on July 21, the day the Delhi High Court directed that Wangchuk be shifted to a hospital of his choice. Wangchuk had been moved to Safdarjung Hospital from the Jantar Mantar protest site on July 18 during his hunger strike. Read More

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, on Saturday questioned the police presence at the hospitals where the activist is undergoing treatment, alleging restrictions on people meeting him.

In a post on X, she said police personnel were present at Safdarjung Hospital and Medanta, including outside Wangchuk’s ICU, and questioned the authority behind such measures. “If the Court has clarified that he is not under detention, then under what authority is this happening?” she wrote.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said he has been diagnosed with typhoid but maintained that the protest movement will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Dipke asserted that the agitation would not be called off despite his health condition.

Reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the ongoing student protests, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain accused him of politicising the issue and called his statements irresponsible.

“Rahul Gandhi wants to do politics; they are issue-less… The way Rahul Gandhi is indulging in irresponsible antics, this is not expected from the Leader of Opposition,” Hussain said.

Responding to Delhi Police’s claim that over 2,000 people with criminal backgrounds were identified at Jantar Mantar using Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party would also identify police personnel accused of using force against protesters.

“We too will give a list of Police personnel to Delhi Police, who cracked open the heads of children, dragged them on streets, broke the ribs of our volunteers and slapped young girls. We will identify them not through FRS but through public. We will make it public. Let’s see what Delhi Police have to say to that,” Ranka said.