Live: Food orders flood in online for Jantar Mantar protestors; Wangchuk shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan shared his concerns regarding the students on X. He stated, “It was such a peaceful movement; I feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt.”

Bollywood star Salman Khan shared his worries on X regarding the protesting students. He mentioned how unfortunate it was that a peaceful agitation turned violent, adding that he feels deeply for the students and their families who suffered injuries.

After a period of high tension, as conditions near Jantar Mantar started to ease, the Cockroach Janta Party posted a message on X targeting the police. The political group urged personnel not to follow illegal directives that mandate hitting non-violent, innocent protesters.

The latest footage from the Jantar Mantar region indicates that the situation has become comparatively peaceful. This follows actions taken by police officers earlier in the day, who had used tear gas shells to disperse crowds when tensions flared up.

Since July 18, law enforcement in Mumbai has filed 13 FIRs against 400 individuals for participating in unauthorized gatherings and violating prohibitory mandates during the ongoing demonstrations, officials reported on Wednesday. According to authorities, these cases were registered across various police jurisdictions. Those named in the complaints were served notices and subsequently permitted to go. Mumbai has seen several solidarity demonstrations supporting the students' protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party in New Delhi. On Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray spoke at an event held at Shivaji Park, criticizing the relocation of fasting campaigner Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar in Delhi to Safdarjung Hospital. A police official noted that although demonstrations took place across several venues including Shivaji Park, Chaityabhoomi, Chembur, and Shiv Sena Bhavan, none of these had administrative clearance, according to a PTI report.

Senior Congress figure P Chidambaram proposed that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down of his own accord to lower tensions, stating that such a step would be viewed as highly respectable by the public. Writing on X, the ex-Union Home Minister pointed out that campaigner Sonam Wangchuk has stated unequivocally that the demand for Pradhan's departure following the NEET exam leak remains non-negotiable, yet the Prime Minister is reluctant to demand his resignation.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has urged the Central government to refrain from taking harsh measures against the students demonstrating near Jantar Mantar, warning that any such rash step would lead to negative consequences. Sharing a video address on X, Kejriwal asserted that the security presence has been intensified at the location and claimed that local internet access has been disabled in several surrounding zones.

As the number of demonstrators at the site increased, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal stated that PM Modi had disabled internet connectivity in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar, causing widespread anxiety among the public. He further remarked that this action represents a straightforward attack on free speech, aimed at suppressing the demands of young Indians and concealing the harsh actions taken by the Delhi Police.

On Wednesday evening, Ahmedabad authorities detained over 100 individuals, primarily young citizens, who were protesting without prior approval outside Gujarat University. They were demanding that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign due to controversies surrounding national exams. A significant gathering consisting largely of college students assembled at the university gates, shouting slogans criticizing the Union government. Placards reading 'system failed, not students' and 'largest democracy?' were visible. Additionally, some young protesters handed out flowers to the police officers on duty. Neeraj Kumar Badgujar, the Additional Commissioner of Police, confirmed that over 100 demonstrators were taken into custody because the gathering lacked official administrative sanction, according to a report by PTI.

To regulate the growing crowds around the Jantar Mantar protest area, a CJP volunteer climbed onto a police vehicle, with the consent of nearby officers, and used a megaphone to appeal for a non-violent demonstration. Furthermore, CJP volunteers set up a human barrier separating the arriving demonstrators from the Connaught Place side and the police personnel deployed along Sansad Marg near Parliament House, as reported by Nikhil M. Babu.

Along Sansad Marg near the Jantar Mantar demonstration venue, the crowd size has grown significantly, prompting CJP coordinators to urge participants to remain composed. Authorities have suspended internet connectivity in the zone and deployed tear gas shells, according to Nikhil M. Babu.

Replying to queries regarding his discussion with fasting activist Sonam Wangchuk, Nadda explained that his hospital visit was intended to check on Wangchuk's medical condition. He added that they requested Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and provide constructive direction to the demonstrating youth.

Regarding discussions with the Cockroach Janta Party, Nadda stated that officials had carefully listened to CJP's delegation during their previous meeting on July 20. He clarified that he has conveyed their readiness for future dialogue whenever the party wishes, though no communication occurred today.

Stressing that current circumstances call for cooperation rather than political conflict, Nadda noted that Parliament is the appropriate arena to address this matter with due seriousness. He mentioned that the BJP-led NDA government under PM Modi has acknowledged the paper leak problem deeply and stands ready to debate it inside Parliament, urging opposition groups not to shift their demands. Additionally, he called on opposition parties to collaborate in finding an effective remedy.

While speaking to reporters, Union Minister J.P. Nadda pointed to an earlier press conference by Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, where the Congress leader claimed more than 100 paper leaks have occurred nationwide. Nadda responded by highlighting instances of examination leaks in states not governed by the BJP. He questioned why Rahul Gandhi was being highly selective with the statistics he shared. He added that Gandhi is focused on deriving political benefits from this controversy rather than genuinely caring for the students' well-being.

The Union Health Minister is currently speaking to the press at the BJP headquarters. During his address, he emphasized that the concerns raised by the student community regarding the NEET paper leak should not be turned into a political dispute or utilized for electoral advantages.

While slogans echoed at one side of Jantar Mantar, volunteer medical staff were stationed near ambulances on the other side, attending to a continuous stream of patients suffering from injuries, fever, dehydration, and swelling before they rejoined the demonstration. Guided by a feeling of professional responsibility, doctors and nurses from Delhi and nearby regions set up temporary medical camps amidst the ongoing speeches and slogans, according to a PTI report. A few medical workers navigated the crowd carrying bags filled with essential drugs, bandages, and rehydration mixes, while others remained in ambulances parked near the site, prepared to help anyone experiencing fainting spells or respiratory issues.

Releasing his first video clip since being relocated from Jantar Mantar by authorities, campaigner Sonam Wangchuk stated that the aggressive measures used by Delhi Police on protesters led him to persist with his hunger strike. He noted that numerous visitors, including 65 MPs, have requested him to conclude his fast and resume his work for the country. He expressed his desire to comply, provided the government stops using force on students and refrains from registering FIRs against the demonstrators. He declared that he would call off his fast immediately upon receiving these assurances.

The Union Health Minister is set to conduct a media briefing later this evening at 8:30 PM. Nadda has been leading the discussions representing the administration in its negotiations with the CJP representatives, as reported by Nistula Hebbar.

Speaking amidst a heavy police presence outside Medanta Hospital, campaigner Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo expressed distress, calling it highly regrettable that an Indian citizen fasting for 25 days is not being allowed some peace. She explained that although Wangchuk had agreed to end his fast after receiving a formal appeal from several MPs, he continues to wait for a clear guarantee from the authorities that no legal actions will be taken against the Jantar Mantar demonstrators. She affirmed that his hunger strike would conclude only after getting this confirmation.

Unable to secure a meeting with hunger-striking campaigner Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, representatives from the INDIA alliance delivered their communication to his spouse, Gitanjali Angmo. Following this, the parliamentarians departed for the national capital, as reported by Ashok Berwal.

As INDIA alliance MPs were prevented from entering Medanta Hospital in Gurugram to visit climate campaigner Sonam Wangchuk, the Haryana Police stated that, according to hospital authorities, only those who are blood relatives of Mr. Wangchuk are allowed entry. - Ashok Berwal

Law enforcement officials stopped a group of 15 INDIA bloc MPs at the main entrance of Medanta Hospital, where they had arrived to meet climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Following the restriction, the parliamentarians staged a sit-in protest right outside the hospital gates. - Ashok Berwal

A massive gathering of people assembled at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, demonstrating in solidarity with the CJP movement protesting against suspected exam irregularities. Photo: Emmanual Yogini

The capital of Maharashtra witnessed demonstrations at several locations in solidarity with the CJP protest against alleged exam discrepancies, leading to the detention of multiple individuals and police physically removing senior Congress figures from a south Mumbai traffic junction. WhatsApp Image 2026-07-22 at 18.26.32.jpeg Photo: Emmanual Yogini Law enforcement stopped prominent leaders, including state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal, CLP leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and former State Minister Naseem Khan, at the Regal Cinema Chowk while they were proceeding towards the Maharashtra BJP office in south Mumbai. WhatsApp Image 2026-07-22 at 18.26.37.jpeg Photo: Emmanual Yogini They were forcibly removed from the site and taken to Colaba police station in police vans. - PTI

A delegation of parliamentarians from the INDIA alliance will visit fasting climate campaigner Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital. In view of this, security arrangements outside the hospital premises have been beefed up with the deployment of a commando unit and the Vajra anti-riot vehicle. WhatsApp Image 2026-07-22 at 18.44.18.jpeg Photo: Ashok Kumar - Ashok Berwal

DMK MP Kanimozhi was seen at the Jantar Mantar demonstration venue, interacting with the protesting leadership on the stage.

Former BJP leader K Annamalai criticized the Central government on the NEET issue, alleging a complete lack of accountability despite question papers leaking three times, which he said forced students onto the streets. He questioned why the saffron party-led union administration took so long to open a channel of communication with the demonstrators. Mr. Annamalai, who currently heads the “We the Leaders” movement, stated that demonstrating is a core democratic right and expressed wonder over the BJP-led Centre's delay in starting a dialogue with the protesters. “Why was meaningful engagement delayed until the protest had escalated to a flashpoint. What kept you waiting,” demanded the former president of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, who is planning to launch his own political party. - PTI

The Delhi Police on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) claimed that an ACP from Punjabi Bagh sustained a forehead injury at Jantar Mantar while performing his lawful duties, when the demonstrators started throwing stones. “One of the stones hit the ACP on his forehead,” law enforcement officials stated. - The Hindu Bureau

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep concern on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) over the active student demonstrations in Delhi, accusing opposition parties of attempting to use the agitation as a “political tool” to satisfy their own political interests. Mr. Singh advised the Opposition to raise these concerns inside Parliament rather than taking them to the streets.

After receiving multiple requests to call off his hunger strike, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said that he would break his fast only if the government guarantees that no punitive action will be taken against the protesting students. “During our discussion, you assured me that the Government would positively consider the following,” Mr. Wangchuk stated in a letter, referring to his meeting with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh. He specified that the government promised to consider: 1. Proper compensation for the families of students who committed suicide in the wake of the exam paper leak. 2. A meaningful discussion inside Parliament to ensure accountability, including evaluating the resignation of the Hon’ble Education Minister. “I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only “offence” has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system,” he added. “If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely. I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement.”

“Are your demands non-negotiable? Will Parliament function?,” a media representative asked Rahul Gandhi, to which he replied: “The demands are non negotiable but whether the House runs tomorrow, is up to Opposition parties.” “In every government, there comes a time when the government collapses psychologically. This government is in panic,” Mr. Gandhi noted before concluding his press conference. - Sandeep Phukan

“Even the police are not happy at what is being done, they can see their children in this,” Mr. Gandhi stated, speaking further about the scuffle that occurred between Opposition leaders protesting near the Prime Minister's residence and the police officers who detained them. “It’s true that the cops dragged me but they were whispering into my ears, remove this government,” he added. - Sandeep Phukan

“My job is to express will of the people,” Rahul Gandhi said in response to a query regarding the manner in which political leaders were detained yesterday, which left the LoP bleeding. “I am honoured to take up this role,” he added. Addressing AAP’s allegations, Mr. Gandhi said “we are supporting the students. I had a nose bleed but I supported the students.” - The Hindu Bureau

“We thought since the students are on the streets, we thought the Opposition should also be on the streets,” Mr. Gandhi expressed in response to a query about what motivated the Congress party to hold a sit-in demonstration near the PM's official residence on Tuesday (July 21, 2026). “Before hitting the streets, we approached the Speaker and asked for a discussion. He said he will ask the government but there was no discussion,” he noted, adding that this is a Central issue, and hence the solution must come from the Centre. - Sandeep Phukan

“How I was treated is irrelevant to me,” Mr. Gandhi remarked while answering a question regarding the protest he staged yesterday in front of the PM's residence. “Treat me five times worse, I don’t care. The focus has to be education system, paper leaks and NEET exams,” he added. Regarding the government’s allegation that the Leader of the Opposition crossed a line, he said, “It has no consequence to me.” - Sandeep Phukan

Addressing the media, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi presented data showing that Indian families collectively spend as much money on the NEET examination as the central government allocates to Education in its yearly national budget. Photo: YouTube/Rahul Gandhi

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi stated that Dharmendra Pradhan has failed in his role as Education Minister. He followed up by saying that the demands raised by the students are completely legitimate. “Dharmendra Pradhan has destroyed India’s biggest asset,” he remarked, adding that his party fully supports the students' demands.

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram on Tuesday evening and is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU, the hospital stated in a medical bulletin on Wednesday (July 22, 2026). According to the health bulletin issued by Sanjay Durani, Medical Superintendent of Medanta, Mr. Wangchuk is being treated by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors. “Presently, he is stable, oriented and his vital signs are within accepted parameters. All treatment being administered to him is in accordance with his informed consent,” the bulletin stated. - Ashok Berwal

A brief spell of chaos was witnessed near the Jantar Mantar protest site. A crowd of people was seen throwing empty bottles into the air, with several individuals running in one direction. Delhi Police made continuous announcements at the intersection of Leo Tolstoy Marg and Sansad Marg, where the crowd had gathered, asking people to move to the designated Jantar Mantar protest site located meters ahead. They were requested to clear the road as BNSS Section 163 is in effect, and to cooperate with their volunteers. - Suruchi Kumari

On Wednesday evening (July 22, 2026), Medanta Hospital released a health update stating that activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on the 25th day of his hunger strike, was moved to the intensive care unit shortly after reaching the private facility in Gurugram on Tuesday night. He is reported to be in a stable condition and fully conscious. The medical facility further mentioned that his vital parameters remain within safe limits and all medical procedures are being carried out with his proper consent.

Ravindra Chavan, the BJP state unit president for Maharashtra, described the demonstration led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as a "sponsored" movement on Wednesday (July 20, 2026), adding that the masterminds of this protest would be unmasked very soon. He stated that the ongoing CJP demonstration in Delhi is backed by external interests, emphasizing that a massive wave of growth and development is sweeping through India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further accused the opposition coalition of harboring diverse political agendas and attempting to exploit this demonstration for their own political benefits. He claimed that within a matter of days, the identity of those backing this protest will come to light and will be made public.

On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), the Delhi High Court requested explanations from both the Union Government and the Delhi Police concerning pleas that alleged the deployment of "excessive force" on demonstrators during the Parliament march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party on July 20. Additionally, the bench instructed the Delhi Police to safeguard all evidence connected to the event, such as video recordings and CCTV footage, adhering strictly to established SOPs.

A 21-year-old woman who suffered critical injuries during police action at a CJP demonstration on July 20 has been taken off life support. Doctors at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital confirmed on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that she is now conscious, breathing independently, and reacting correctly to medical instructions. The patient, identified as Sakshi from Chhattarpur Extension, was admitted to the ICU with severe wounds on her chest, neck, and face. She had attended the Monday protest alongside her cousin, who suffered injuries to her leg. According to hospital officials, the young woman is awake and showing positive cognitive responses. Her brain and spine MRI scans have also come back normal. Medical administrators stated that she remains the sole patient undergoing treatment at RML Hospital linked to the clash, and she is receiving constant medical surveillance and care. PTI

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the BJP strongly supported the Central government's approach to the ongoing protests spearheaded by the CJP. The party stated that the administration has consistently maintained a sympathetic stance toward what is being portrayed as a student-led agitation and remains willing to engage in talks. Additionally, the ruling party targeted opposition leaders, accusing them of propagating a misleading narrative that the country's national testing system has broken down. They claimed that Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, along with other parties, is attempting to gain political benefits from the unrest. In a media briefing, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj noted that although the CJP's campaign was presented as a youth initiative, the government addressed it with sensitivity. Swaraj further claimed that despite giving assurances to the government that they would suspend their agitation following a meeting with Union Minister J.P. Nadda, the organizers went back on their promise. PTI

On Monday, July 20, 2026, the Mumbai Police took more than 300 people into custody near Dadar's Chaityabhoomi area. The demonstrators had assembled to register their anger over Sonam Wangchuk's removal from his hunger strike in Delhi, while also demanding the step-down of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to the examination paper leak controversy. Law enforcement authorities have filed eight separate FIRs at different police stations in Mumbai, listing more than 900 individuals as accused. The Shivaji Park Police Station recorded the highest number, with over 600 people named. Even with the mass detentions and escalating demands for responsibility, a peaceful assembly of protesters gathered at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on July 21, 2026.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay reasserted his party's unyielding position on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, stating that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) must be permanently scrapped. The Chief Minister strongly condemned the detention of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures, describing the state actions as completely undemocratic.

On Wednesday afternoon, July 22, 2026, the CJP claimed that the Delhi Police has completely withdrawn from its security responsibilities at Jantar Mantar. The protest site currently hosts thousands of citizens protesting the government's lack of action on the NEET paper leak. The group reported that student volunteers have taken over security screenings at the main entrance, while the luggage scanner located at the rear exit has been removed without notice. Describing the situation as an act of severe negligence, the CJP questioned the motives behind the police's absence and warned that the department would be held accountable for any security breaches or incidents.

Headed by its founder Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP has used social reformer Sonam Wangchuk to end his continuous fast due to deteriorating health concerns. At the same time, the group promised that the sit-in protests at Jantar Mantar will continue unabated until their key expectations are fulfilled.

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly criticized opposition parties, alleging that they are turning the nation's youth into political instruments and generating artificial outrage to achieve their private agendas. Speaking on the demonstrations led by the CJP and other organizations in New Delhi, Singh remarked that the situation is deeply concerning. He lamented that certain factions are exploiting the youth for partisan advantages, and maintained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration remains dedicated to addressing student welfare and aspirations. The Minister reassured that the government remains highly responsive to the problems faced by students, adding that he has immense faith in the maturity of India's youth to see through these deceptive tactics and focus on the nation's progress and development.

Lawyers working at ground level have told reporters that a number of people taken into custody during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20 are still being held at various police stations across the capital. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with the party's senior leadership, has been pushing for a guarantee that no FIR — whether already on record or to be filed hereafter — shall be lodged against any of the demonstrators.

A total of 10 first information reports have been filed in connection with the CJP-organised march to Parliament in Delhi on July 20. A police-station-wise tally of the FIRs has been released. Police said the cases were registered over a range of incidents that unfolded during the march as well as matters relating to public order. Investigations in all registered cases are currently ongoing.

A delegation of seven Opposition members of Parliament has arrived at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram to meet activist Sonam Wangchuk and urge him to bring his open-ended hunger strike to a close. Mr. Wangchuk has now been fasting for 25 consecutive days, pressing for an overhaul of the education system and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das declared on Wednesday afternoon (July 22, 2026) that the party is open to a fresh round of talks with Union Minister J.P. Nadda today — on the condition that the meeting takes place at a "neutral venue" in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar and that the government shows genuine "intention" to act on their demands. Mr. Das noted that no word has yet been received from the government's side. "If there are security concerns at the protest site, we are happy to convene at a neutral location near Jantar Mantar. We are still awaiting their reply," he said. "The government must come with a sincere intent to fulfil our demands. Summoning us for empty discussions serves no purpose. Our time is precious too. Thousands of supporters are still gathered at the dharna and we have responsibilities towards them as well... The government must make it clear whether it truly wishes to engage with us in a meaningful way," he added.

Bihar Police on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) deployed tear gas canisters, water cannons and batons to disperse student leaders who had organised a 'Lok Bhavan March' calling for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. The protesters had mobilised under the banner of the All India Students' Association (AISA), an outfit affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation, and they faced the police crackdown near Gandhi Maidan — roughly three kilometres from the Governor's official residence. The march was being led by CPI(ML) Liberation MLA Sandeep Sourav, who had previously served as national general secretary of AISA. Police officials were unable to immediately confirm how many individuals were taken into custody during the crackdown.

During the 'Chalo Sansad' march called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), cellular Internet connectivity was suspended across several areas in Central Delhi. There were reports that signal jammer devices were utilized to block online access while the demonstration was underway. As a result, demonstrators struggled to share video clips and access digital maps. This communication blackout, which persisted till the evening of July 20, was strongly criticized by advocacy groups including the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) and the Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC). The suspension of mobile data during this CJP rally has sparked debates over the boundaries of administrative power and public safety protocols.

Speaking at Jantar Mantar today, Abhijet Dipke stated that the Delhi Police lacks any ethical ground to lecture them on maintaining peace during demonstrations, especially after they fractured the heads of student protestors on July 20.

On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), the suspension of operations at 16 metro stations by the DMRC under the pretext of security concerns amid the CJP protest stranded hundreds of professionals, students, and daily passengers. The morning peak hour saw commuters struggling as they were forced to alter their planned routes midway, disembark at strange locations, and hunt for other modes of transport. Earlier on Wednesday morning, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) shut down 16 key stations, which included Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO, and Khan Market, pointing to "security reasons". This represented the second major transport disruption for travelers in less than a week, compounding their anger over recurring transit delays. A comparable station closure had occurred on Monday. According to commuters, metro trains kept operating across different lines but bypassed the restricted stations. This forced riders to travel to distant stations and then take road transport back to their destinations.

To prevent opponents from constructing a hostile spin, the Cockroach Janta Party has instructed attendees at Jantar Mantar to limit their chanting to exactly four selected slogans. The approved list of slogans consists of: 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad', 'Jai Bheem', and 'Dharmendra Pradhan Istifa do'. Speaking from the demonstration site, CJP media representative Ashutosh Ranka declared that opponents are seeking to spin a specific narrative, adding that the party will refuse to permit any detrimental chants.

In the middle of the night on Tuesday, approximately 100 individuals, predominantly young people, assembled at Queen’s Walkway in Kochi, Kerala. They gathered to show support for the ongoing demonstrations in New Delhi protesting the leakage of the NEET examination papers, while a major political controversy unfolds in the capital. A large number of the participants dressed in black attire and participated in a candlelight march, responding to a mobilization call broadcasted by an Instagram page called Azadi Kerala. This late-night demonstration by the youth of Kochi represents a strong expression of opposition in support of the Delhi-based protests over the NEET question paper leak.

On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha that the administration is prepared to hold a debate regarding the NEET paper leak controversy. This announcement comes a day after a meeting between two Union Ministers and Sonam Wangchuk, where they requested him to ask students not to escalate their demonstrations further.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange was spotted at the Jantar Mantar demonstration venue in New Delhi, alongside Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party.

On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), the Supreme Court turned down a plea to fast-track the listing of a petition that challenges the police action taken against students during a protest march led by the Cockroach Janta Party in Delhi. The petition was brought up before a bench that included Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. The advocate presenting the case mentioned that he possessed video evidence of alleged police violence, asking if the matter could be scheduled for Thursday because students were involved. He claimed that students faced brutality from the police during their march and stated that the plea had three specific requests. Refusing the request, the CJI emphasized that the bench would not review video recordings during the mentioning phase. The CJI remarked that they were not interested in watching video clips and did not have the time to do so. When the lawyer pointed out again that students were beaten up and brought up the video recordings once more, the CJI responded by telling him not to waste court time, reiterating that they had no intention of viewing any videos.

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has called for the public release of the names of police officers and demonstrators who sustained injuries during the Parliament march. He shared his concern that students might be named as accused in FIRs, drawing a parallel to what he alleged occurred during the Delhi riots of 2020. Mr. Sibal advised youth to raise their voices in a peaceful manner across every Indian city to ensure their demands are heard by the authorities. Furthermore, he criticized Union Minister J.P. Nadda's claim that the demonstrators had initiated a proposal for discussions with the government. He questioned why the government waited to use tear gas and batons if the demands of the fasting students were already public knowledge.

Following the initial closure of four transit points, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) declared on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that a total of 16 stations will remain shut until further notice because of security issues. These closures have been implemented across at least 16 metro stations due to safety worries arising from the active Cockroach Janta Party protests happening at Jantar Mantar.

Extending his support to the ongoing student agitation in Delhi, DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin advocated for the complete cancellation of the NEET exam. In a social media post on X, he mentioned that his party was the first to caution that NEET was structured in a way that facilitates massive malpractices. He emphasized that this is why the DMK has resisted the examination from its inception, regularly highlighting its potential threats.

The DMRC stated that the Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat stations located in central Delhi were shut down on Wednesday morning (July 22, 2026). This operational halt was prompted by the active demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party.

With thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar to support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) dharna, its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka warned that millions of others would arrive in Delhi if the administration rejects their demands, primarily the step-down of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to Mr. Ranka, this is the most massive protest campaign in post-independence India. He stated that the events of July 20 were merely a preview, and if the government refuses to yield, millions will march to Delhi since they will not remain quiet or retreat this time. He added that the authorities must act swiftly, or they will face severe pushback from the nation's youth. He also dismissed allegations against their peaceful conduct, asserting that a false narrative is being created despite their non-violent approach.

Following a Delhi High Court directive, activist Sonam Wangchuk was transferred to a private hospital on Tuesday (July 21, 2026), where Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh went to meet him at Medanta Hospital located in Gurugram. According to reports, the ministers communicated the administration's plan to start a discussion in Parliament, guaranteeing Mr. Wangchuk that reforms in education are currently being worked on. Furthermore, they requested the activist to advise the students to trust the governmental procedures and prevent any further intensifying of the protests.

On Wednesday morning, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) shared an update stating that a huge gathering of "thousands and thousands of protesters" has assembled at the demonstration site in Jantar Mantar. In a social media post on X, the group also demanded accountability, asking when Dharmendra Pradhan Mantri would tender his resignation.

Law enforcement officials today confirmed that a first information report (FIR) has been lodged following the emergence of a video clip where a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel was reportedly pursued and beaten by some demonstrators during a march organized by the CJP. The footage, which has been circulating extensively on various social media networks, allegedly depicts multiple protesters cornering, chasing, and physically assaulting the RAF officer during the Cockroach Janta Party's rally heading to Parliament on Monday. The protest was organized to seek answers from the administration regarding suspected discrepancies in exams. According to police authorities, an official case has been filed regarding this matter, and a probe has commenced to trace and identify the individuals behind the attack.

To bolster security in the national capital amidst CJP demonstrations and protests by different political groups, the Union Government has directed the deployment of 20 extra CRPF companies in Delhi, officials announced today. These units, belonging to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), are being flown in from West Bengal following an urgent directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) last night for their immediate stationing in Delhi. According to security establishment sources, these 20 CRPF companies are being airlifted from Kolkata to Delhi to maintain law and order, considering the ongoing Parliament session, CJP's protests, and agitation by other political factions.

Human rights defenders associated with an advocacy organization in America organized protests in New York and San Jose to show their support for activist Sonam Wangchuk. He is currently observing an ongoing hunger strike in New Delhi to protest against alleged malpractices in the NEET entrance examinations. Members of 'Hindus for Human Rights' assembled near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located in Union Square, New York City, as well as in San Jose on Monday evening, holding signs with supportive messages for Mr. Wangchuk. In New York and San Jose, activists held rallies in support of Sonam Wangchuk, calling for transparency and accountability from the Indian administration regarding the discrepancies in the NEET exams.

Under intense scrutiny for their response to the protesters, the Delhi Police yesterday registered four FIRs against unidentified persons on charges of rioting, attacking public officials, destroying government assets, and other violations during Monday's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rally. An investigation is underway to determine if the clashes were pre-planned and carried out in a structured, systematic way, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Anand Kumar Mishra. Amid criticism regarding their forceful action during the Cockroach Janta Party demonstration, Delhi Police have initiated legal proceedings with four separate FIRs targeting the.

At the crossing of Tolstoy Marg and Sansad Marg, right outside the multi-tiered barricading at the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Jantar Mantar demonstration spot, 18-year-old Aayu Jacob brought his blue motorbike to a halt for the twentieth time on Tuesday morning. After every few minutes, another delivery agent arrived at this intersection to drop off food packages intended for the protest location, without targeting any specific individual. Hundreds of citizens from different corners of India were purchasing these meals, setting the delivery address as the Jantar Mantar protest area and adding notes to hand the items over to the activists. The food deliveries included a variety of options such as burgers, pizzas, momos, and complete thaalis. With hundreds of people nationwide sending food for the Jantar Mantar demonstrators, the delivery operations became completely overwhelmed, forcing the coordinators of the protest to request a temporary stop to any new orders.