The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar hit a fresh flashpoint on Thursday, July 23. Thousands of students and supporters gathered despite heavy security, mobile internet curbs, and the closure of 16 Delhi Metro stations. The demonstration, now in its fourth day, demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks.
What Happened Today
- 16 Metro Stations Closed: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) kept stations like Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO, and Khan Market shut until further notice. Interchange facilities remained open at select stations.
- Fresh Clashes: Tensions rose near Sansad Marg as protesters clashed with police and, at one point, with Nihang Sikhs at the site. Several police personnel sustained injuries. ACP Jai Prakash and ACP Vivek Bhagat were admitted to RML Hospital.
- Mobile Internet Curbs: Authorities suspended mobile internet in and around Jantar Mantar from 7 PM on Wednesday. They aimed to contain the spread of incendiary content and manage crowd movements.
- CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke’s Statement: Addressing the crowd on Wednesday evening, Dipke said, “We will not end our protest until our demands are fulfilled and Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. We will not allow Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike to be in vain.”
PM Modi’s Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts. These courts will ensure swift and severe penalties for those involved in paper leaks.
“The welfare and future of our youth is paramount! We have resolved to create fast-track courts to guarantee swift and rigorous consequences for those involved in these leaks,” he said in a message on X.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Continues
Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains on an indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He has demanded that student protest leaders meet MPs inside Parliament House. Alternatively, he wants MPs to visit him at the hospital to hear their concerns directly.
Why This Matters
The protests have now spread beyond Delhi. Rallies and solidarity marches were reported in cities like Patna and Mumbai. Student groups say the government’s response—fast-track courts and promises of reform—falls short of accountability at the highest levels.
With the Monsoon Session of Parliament underway, political pressure is mounting. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have joined the call for Pradhan’s resignation. They also demand a transparent probe into the National Testing Agency’s functioning.
What’s Next
As the day unfolds, all eyes are on Jantar Mantar and Parliament. Will the government offer concrete steps to address student demands? Or will the protests intensify further?
