Live: CJP March Violence Rocks Delhi — 118 Officers Hurt, Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Continues

Criticizing the central government's action against demonstrators calling for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's exit, the Shiv Sena (UBT) remarked on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) that the current protests signify the onset of a revolution, as "millions of cockroaches" take a bold, definitive step. Through an editorial in its official publication Saamana, the faction headed by Uddhav Thackeray targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of shielding "corrupt and incompetent" cabinet members, which they claimed amounted to "committing treason" and leading the nation toward ruin. "This is precisely why millions of 'cockroaches' are marching toward Parliament to demand Modi's step-down. What we are seeing is the start of a revolution, with millions of cockroaches marching forward to spark change," the editorial stated. - PTI

The Delhi High Court has approved the request to move activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike supporting the CJP student protest, to his preferred medical facility, Medanta Hospital.

The Central government has stated it has no objections to transferring activist Sonam Wangchuk to a private hospital of his choice. This clarification was made during a Delhi High Court hearing on a plea by his wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, which contested a Single Judge's refusal to move him from Safdarjung Hospital. While presenting this in court, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta requested that Wangchuk remain under continuous medical supervision and not be discharged without the approval of Medanta’s medical team. Suggesting his transfer along with all medical histories from Safdarjung Hospital, the Bench indicated it would deliver its order after lunch.

A 25-year-old student, residing in Ghitorni, is currently admitted to LHMC and receiving medical treatment for pellet wounds. According to sources at the hospital, other individuals who suffered minor injuries have been discharged. Meanwhile, another demonstrator with a pellet-induced eye injury has been shifted to AIIMS for specialized care. In the meantime, PTI sources report that a young woman who sustained injuries during police action at the CJP protest is on ventilator support at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi issue an apology to the student community and immediately halt the police action against them. Speaking on the issue, Gandhi called the incident entirely unacceptable, stating that this is an improper way to treat the nation's youth. He pointed out that young people already face a severe lack of opportunities, and now the sole path available to them—competitive examinations—has been ruined. According to him, the protesting students are raising concerns not just about the education system but their very future, which has been compromised due to the influence of figures like Adani and Ambani, the complete control of the RSS over educational bodies, and the appointment of RSS pracharaks as university vice-chancellors. He emphasized that this is a crisis affecting the entire future of India's youth.

The Delhi High Court declined an urgent hearing on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) for a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that accused the Delhi Police of using disproportionate force against protesters during the CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' demonstration. Refusing to take up the matter immediately, the court remarked that the judiciary should not be dragged into the issue and scheduled the hearing for Wednesday. The development follows Monday's (July 20, 2026) crackdown where law enforcement personnel used tear gas and lathi-charged demonstrators marching towards the Parliament, causing injuries to multiple individuals. Official sources revealed that at least 38 of those wounded were admitted to the Lady Hardinge Medical College, while approximately 65 were rushed to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, suffering from bone fractures, eye and head injuries, and swelling caused by tear gas exposure.

CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke uploaded an image on social media platform X documenting the 24th day of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing fast. Wangchuk.jpg

Union Minister J.P. Nadda visited Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to hold discussions with the attending doctors.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that several police officers without uniforms were seen assaulting demonstrators during Monday's (July 20, 2026) agitation in the national capital. Yadav remarked that it is hard to comprehend how a government in independent India could behave in such a brutal manner with its citizens. He compared the action to the historical events of Adolf Hitler's regime, stating that just as Hitler had raised a private militia, individuals in plain clothes were seen beating up the protesters yesterday. He further alleged that the BJP-led government is hesitating to demand resignations from its ministers out of fear that they might expose the administration's hidden secrets if forced out of office.

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday stated that he understands and respects the emotions of the students protesting against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. He stressed that he does not support silencing the students and believes that discussions are the most effective path forward. Commenting on the protest organized by the CJP and their subsequent meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Paswan noted that the anger and anxiety among the student community are understandable, which forced them to take to the streets. However, he reaffirmed that suppressing their concerns is not the right approach. He highlighted that dialogue is a constructive approach, pointing out that the government's doors have always been open to discussions, as demonstrated by the delegation meeting J.P. Nadda yesterday. While acknowledging that extreme anger sometimes drives people onto the streets, he added that he does not support the taking of harsh measures even when law and order is disrupted or boundaries are crossed. Paswan concluded by saying that students and youth represent the nation's future, and their concerns must be respected, adding that his government remains fully committed to this principle.

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital has written to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the protection of patient rights. This comes amid allegations that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was denied his request for Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA), despite being fully competent to make medical decisions. In a formal letter submitted on Monday (July 20, 2026), the RDA expressed that if these reports are true, they raise serious questions regarding personal freedom, constitutional rights, and informed consent. The association maintained that hospitals are meant for healing and should never be used as places of detention, unless such measures are strictly authorized by legal provisions and executed under due process of law. Seeking the President's immediate intervention to protect medical ethics, constitutional values, and patient independence, the association also called for an impartial probe into the incidents at Jantar Mantar, where Wangchuk and his supporters were demonstrating before he was forcibly transferred to Safdarjung Hospital. The doctors' body voiced its deep concern over the continuous hospitalization of the activist. While acknowledging that Wangchuk's clinical state and need for hospitalization are matters of medical evaluation, the RDA stressed that any individual admitted to a facility has the fundamental right to be treated with dignity, compassion, and in compliance with the Indian Constitution and medical ethics. The RDA also highlighted the "unusual security measures" put in place at Safdarjung Hospital while Wangchuk was being held there. Pointing to public visuals and reports, the association noted that access to hospital sections was restricted, areas of the building were sealed off, numerous security personnel were stationed across several floors, and regular operations were disrupted. If these heavy-handed measures caused disruptions to patient treatment, blocked access to healthcare, or made the medical facility seem like a law enforcement wing rather than a healing center, then the situation requires an independent investigation, the letter stated. The association reiterated that public hospitals must remain dedicated exclusively to providing healthcare services and should not be used for any non-medical objectives. It demanded an assessment to determine if the intensive security at Safdarjung Hospital was reasonable and whether it negatively impacted medical care and hospital operations. Furthermore, the RDA expressed distress over reports of force being used against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar. It warned that such actions could destroy public trust in democratic institutions and create panic among citizens and the medical fraternity. The doctors urged that healthcare workers, medical students, faculty, and ordinary citizens peacefully exercising their rights be protected from threats, violence, or any abuse of power. Concluding its letter, the association urged the President to take steps to restore transparency, public confidence, and institutional autonomy within the healthcare system. "As resident doctors working in one of the country's premier public hospitals, we remain firmly dedicated to our patients and to protecting the constitutional values of our democratic republic," the letter read. The RDA expressed hope that prompt action from the President would strengthen public trust in constitutional bodies and guarantee that hospitals continue to serve as sanctuaries of care, dignity, and justice.

CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke issued a statement to supporters, urging them not to lose heart. He emphasized that the authorities want them to give up hope, but they must remain resilient, adding that yesterday's protest was only their opening call.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda is holding discussions with medical professionals at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the national capital to assess the health condition of individuals who sustained injuries during Monday's demonstrations.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to visit the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi to meet with those who were injured during the protests.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear the government acted without delay following the NEET paper leak. Addressing reporters after the NDA parliamentary party meeting, Rijiju said, "Beyond that, with students' futures kept at the centre of every decision, a re-examination was successfully carried out and results were announced promptly, without any undue delay."

Cockroach Janta Party protesters stayed the night at Jantar Mantar, braving heavy rain, a strong security presence and the police clampdown that had fallen on their 'Sansad Chalo' march the day before. On Tuesday morning (July 21, 2026), party volunteers were busy cleaning up the demonstration site, while CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke publicly apologised to supporters who were hurt during the police action. A substantial security deployment remained stationed around the venue, where volunteers were seen clearing the stage area — the sole structure left intact after authorities dismantled the tents and other temporary installations on Monday (July 20, 2026). Even the covering over the stage was found in a badly torn state.

The Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, Delhi, on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) wrote to President Droupadi Murmu urging her to commission an independent, time-bound inquiry into the events that unfolded at Jantar Mantar the previous day. The RDA also raised the matter of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has reportedly been prevented from leaving Safdarjung Hospital of his own accord despite having sought a Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA). The association said that if these accounts were borne out, they would raise fundamental questions about patients' rights and their autonomy in medical decisions. In the representation submitted to President Murmu on July 20, the association stated, "Reports of baton charges, tear gas and physical force being used against a large number of peaceful protesters — including students, doctors and young citizens — are deeply unsettling." The letter went on to note that while certain aspects of the episode remained contested, video footage and first-hand accounts circulating in the public domain had raised pointed questions about the manner in which peaceful democratic dissent was handled by the authorities. The RDA also drew attention to footage that appeared to show police personnel with their faces obscured and name badges concealed. The letter said this seriously undermined transparency and accountability within law enforcement, making it harder to hold officers answerable for their actions.

The Congress party described the police action against demonstrators who marched towards Parliament over examination irregularities as "a shameful chapter" in the long record of wrongs inflicted upon the nation's youth by the ruling government. The opposition party issued a stern warning that those who raised their hands against the country's young people under directions from those holding authority would inevitably have to reckon with the "lathi" of the Constitution. Congress leader पवन खेड़ा stated: "Add yesterday's shameful episode to the ever-lengthening ledger of injustices heaped upon this country's youth — a moment when the sons and daughters of this nation were brutalised and oppressed at the bidding of those who wield power. But those who are beating the country's youth today on the orders of the powerful will, tomorrow, have no choice but to face the 'lathi' of the Constitution." - PTI

Safdarjung Hospital authorities confirmed on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) that activist सोनम वांगचुक's vital signs are holding steady, though he has continued to turn down intravenous fluids and glucose despite the medical team urging him to accept them on multiple occasions. A health bulletin released at 9 a.m. stated that all required medical attention is being administered and his clinical status is under constant, detailed review. "Sonam Wangchuk is being treated at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, with a multidisciplinary panel of specialists from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi overseeing his care. "At this time, Shri Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable. That said, his blood sugar readings remain on the lower side. A sample collected the previous night shows his serum potassium at 3.2 mEq/L, and he is exhibiting persistent pancytopenia, manifesting as anaemia and reduced leukocyte counts. These clinical and laboratory indicators make close, continuous monitoring through serial investigations essential," the bulletin stated. "He is presently being given oral rehydration therapy (ORS) alongside oral potassium supplements. However, he has persisted in declining intravenous fluids and glucose despite the medical team advising him otherwise on repeated occasions. "In light of his continuing mild to moderate dehydration, the abnormalities showing up in laboratory results, and the physical burden placed on his body by extended fasting, uninterrupted medical supervision and ongoing clinical observation remain indispensable to support recovery and to detect and manage any complications at the earliest. "All necessary medical care is in place, and his clinical condition is under constant and careful assessment. Subsequent treatment decisions will be guided by his clinical trajectory and the outcomes of serial laboratory investigations," the bulletin added. - PTI

Rajya Sabha MP कपिल सिब्बल took sharp aim at Union Minister जे.पी. नड्डा's assertion that the initiative for engaging in dialogue with the government had come from the protesting side, demanding to know what the government had been doing all along when everyone was already aware that "our fasting children" were ready for talks — was it simply biding its time before unleashing tear gas and batons on them? "नड्डा claims a proposal to hold talks with the government was put forward by the protesters, and apparently this is for the very first time. What arrogance!" "Everyone already knew about the proposals put forward by our fasting children. So what was the government occupied with all this while? Just watching and waiting before ordering tear gas and lathi charges on them! Truly shameful!" Mr. Sibal wrote. - PTI

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has thrown his weight behind students demonstrating against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, urging those in authority to give genuine attention to their demands. Earlier, when asked about his position on the protests, Dosanjh had distanced himself, saying he was "an artiste, not a politician." Today, however, he broke that silence, sharing a note on his Instagram story in which he called the treatment of the students wholly unacceptable. "What happened today was very wrong. Students should not have been treated like this. I request the authorities to listen to the students' demands," he wrote. The actor reflected on how speaking out during the 2020 farmers' agitation had cost him dearly — drawing intense criticism and legal entanglements that still shadow him. "I have already been labelled an 'anti-national' several times. Even now, I know I will be called anti-national again...After the farmers' protest, I faced a lot of backlash and legal problems that I still cannot even discuss," he said. — PTI

The national capital ground to a standstill on Monday, July 21, 2026, as hundreds of demonstrators set out on a 'Chalo Sansad' march from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament, only to be forced back by baton-wielding police and volleys of tear gas. Around 70 people were taken into custody, while many more were left injured in the operation — with women and elderly protesters among those not spared from the force deployed. Read more: Demonstrators in New Delhi encountered fierce police resistance during the 'Chalo Sansad' march, with baton charges and tear gas shells used to scatter the crowds.

Cockroach Janta Party president Abhijeet Dipke today extended a public apology to party supporters who were assaulted by police officers in the course of the protest. "I apologise to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police," Dipke posted on X. "To protect one Dharmendra Pradhan, who is responsible for the deaths of more than 20 students, the Govt was willing to spill the blood of many more young students," the post went on to state. He requested that anyone among the injured who comes across his social media post get in touch with him directly, so that he can offer them a personal apology. "We will keep fighting for all of you," he added in closing.

A senior government official has confirmed that Delhi Police and other security forces found themselves vastly outnumbered when thousands of demonstrators descended on Jantar Mantar and its surroundings the previous day. In what can only be described as an extraordinary development, a huge crowd — drawn overwhelmingly from students and young citizens — managed to breach multiple successive rings of barricades, overwhelm a deployment of roughly 3,000 security personnel, and surge to the very entrance of Parliament, all while an Internet blackout was in effect. Authorities ultimately deployed tear gas and resorted to baton charges to drive the crowd back. The enormous gathering, mobilised under the Cockroach Janta Party, overpowered security arrangements as protesters kept up their demand for the Education Minister's resignation over the NEET question-paper leak.

Over 118 security personnel, including several officers of senior rank, were hurt and approximately 70 demonstrators were taken into custody during Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Sansad Chalo" march in the New Delhi area, according to police. Delhi Police issued a formal statement citing these figures and presenting their account of events, accusing the demonstrators of engaging in "unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour," assaulting security staff, and damaging official vehicles and public infrastructure. "During today's protest by CJP in the New Delhi area, the protesters displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour. Despite repeated warnings and lawful directions issued by the police, they refused to disperse and deliberately violated the prohibitory orders in force," read the police statement. —PTI

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leveled charges of police heavy-handedness against Delhi Police over its "Sansad Chalo" march, claiming that several students sustained injuries and that Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, was pushed and jostled. After police tore down the stage at Jantar Mantar, the outfit regrouped at a sit-in near Kerala House to press on with its agitation. Delhi Police rejected outright the claim that Angmo had been assaulted, branding the allegation "completely false and misleading" and maintaining that no individual was deliberately targeted for assault. These charges emerged in the aftermath of police dispersing marchers who were attempting to advance toward Parliament and clearing the demonstration site. As evening fell, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das, and Angmo continued their vigil near Kerala House, declaring that the movement would carry on regardless of the crackdown. —PTI