Live: Jantar Mantar Protest: CJP refuses to back down, demands Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

A civil rights coalition has called for an inquiry into the actions of law enforcement agencies during the "Chalo Sansad" march conducted by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20. The organization, Jan Hastakshep, asserted that the reported deployment of tear gas, shock batons, and pellet guns against student demonstrators seeking answers for NEET and other exam discrepancies constitutes an assault on free expression. The group further accused the administration of suppressing the youth mobilization to avoid taking responsibility for the exam leaks.

Declaring the police action against student protesters in the CJP-led demonstration "deeply disturbing," the Bombay Bar Association on Thursday (July 23) said such force is unacceptable, while prominent lawyer Satish Maneshinde announced he would defend affected students free of cost. Maneshinde confirmed he would provide pro bono legal services to any student targeted with legal repercussions for participating in the ongoing agitation. The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) passed a resolution emphasizing that the constitutional right to gather peacefully and voice disagreement is a fundamental aspect of the liberties protected under Article 19.

Veteran politician and former BJP national president Murli Manohar Joshi has raised concerns regarding the ongoing student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Advocating for peaceful discussions to resolve the current crisis, Joshi condemned the harsh police actions taken against the protesting students in Delhi on July 20. He warned that employing such force against the youth could distance large segments of the Indian populace from the national objective of a Viksit Bharat. "It is deeply distressing to see young students from across the nation gathering on the streets of New Delhi for days. Their doubts and worries about the testing system are genuine and must be addressed with empathy and a commitment to find a permanent fix. I sincerely hope this is not dismissed as a simple law-and-order challenge to be managed through force," Joshi stated.

Law enforcement officials in Delhi have clarified that there are no current plans to launch a crackdown on the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protest tonight. The statement from the Delhi Police was issued in response to questions from former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had raised concerns after stores in Connaught Place were shut down by 6:30 p.m. amid a heavy mobilization of security personnel.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday (July 23) declared its backing for the countrywide protests organized by the CJP to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Senior AAP figure Gopal Rai requested party members to join the rallies without carrying their official party flags or publicity banners. In a video address shared on X, Rai asserted that the BJP-led federal government had ordered a lathi-charge on the protesting students and noted that the rallies were arranged to demand Pradhan’s step-down.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alongside other MPs from the INDIA coalition, paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Smriti as they sustained their demonstration over the NEET paper leak. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition representatives are seen paying homage at Gandhi Smriti Park in New Delhi on July 23, 2026.

Kareena Kapoor Khan has joined the voices from the Hindi film industry lending support to the protesting students, stating that children have a right to an educational framework where merit is genuine and effort is compensated fairly. In an Instagram update, the actor shared that she had been contemplating the issue for several days before realizing she could no longer remain silent. "The demands of so many youngsters waiting to be heard cannot be disregarded... and they must not be. We are all aware of how vital education is for a child. It builds self-belief. It instills hope. It offers families the assurance of a brighter future," she expressed on Instagram.

Punjab BJP representative Sunil Jakhar on Thursday (July 23) advised the youth protesting in Delhi against the alleged NEET paper leak to remain alert so that political figures do not hijack their movement for personal gains. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already fully aware of the students' grievances and maintained that the administration is constantly striving to rectify any flaws in the system. "Our children are our pride and represent the wealth of our nation," Jakhar remarked.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with representatives from the INDIA alliance, arrived at Gandhi Smriti as part of their ongoing protest against the NEET exam leak. "Our guide Mahatma Gandhi was killed at this very location. Today, the Modi government is dismantling democracy in India, treating students with brutality, and thrashing them. The Opposition will not tolerate this. We stand firmly with the students, and Narendra Modi must sack the Education Minister and issue an apology," Gandhi stated.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Jitendra Ahwad arrived at Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with the student protests. During his visit, he met with Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke.

A 21-year-old female student, who was admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital with severe injuries sustained during the Jantar Mantar protest, is showing signs of recovery. Medical officials reported that the student was successfully taken off mechanical ventilation 24 hours ago and is now breathing independently. She has regained consciousness and is responding correctly to instructions. "Her current clinical state is stable. Nonetheless, she still requires and is receiving specialized intensive care under the constant observation of our multi-specialty clinical team," the hospital stated.

Nobody can stop us from aligning with the youth of India, declared Rahul Gandhi as lawmakers from the opposition reached Gandhi Smriti to raise their voices against the NEET paper leak.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray declared that his party would organize a 'Tiranga morcha' on July 24 to show solidarity with students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over testing flaws. The political party had previously announced that the rally would take place at Dadar's Shivaji Park on July 24. The opposition MLA noted that citizens wanted a platform to voice their concerns and feelings regarding student-related issues, which is why the Tiranga morcha will go ahead on Friday (July 24) at 5:00 p.m.

Rallies protesting the suspected NEET exam leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan persisted across multiple areas of Bihar on Thursday (July 23, 2026). Security forces had to resort to a baton charge after demonstrators hurled stones in Katihar and Begusarai. What began as a non-violent gathering quickly turned aggressive when some individuals tried to force their way through the main entrance of the District Magistrate's office. When police intervened to halt them, a physical altercation broke out, leading to tense conditions.

Opposition coalition MPs, including Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, are making their way to Gandhi Smriti to continue their agitation against the NEET paper leak. Congress supporters are seen dismantling barricades to clear a path for the vehicle carrying the opposition lawmakers to Gandhi Smriti.

The Union Home Ministry declared that mobile data connectivity has been temporarily cut within a 1.5-kilometer radius of Jantar Mantar from 4 p.m. to midnight on Thursday (July 23). Demonstrators have kept assembling at the historic venue to call for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation following the NEET exam controversies, including the paper leak. The latest directive, authorized by the Union Home Secretary, prolonged the suspension of mobile internet services until midnight under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, and corresponding rules of 2024, citing "public safety and averting public emergency" goals.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that safeguarding the welfare of students remains a central goal for the Union government, pointing to PM Narendra Modi's order to establish fast-track courts for prosecuting those involved in the NEET leak as clear proof. He emphasized that anyone who jeopardizes the prospects of the nation's youth will face strict consequences. "The aspirations and career paths of our country's youth are of utmost importance to our double-engine administration. To guarantee that those responsible for the NEET paper leak are held accountable without delay, Fast Track Courts will be set up for quick case resolutions," Sarma shared in an online post.

RAF personnel have been deployed in large numbers at Rajghat in New Delhi ahead of the arrival of opposition politicians. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members are holding a sit-in demonstration at Jantar Mantar to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities and the NEET paper leak on July 23, 2026.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that the entire contingent of opposition lawmakers felt it necessary to march to India Gate to show solidarity with the Jantar Mantar student protesters. "They denied permission and stopped us. Following that, we decided to head to Tees January Marg (Gandhi Smriti). They parked their bus here and abandoned it. We are unable to move forward, but our primary message is for the students. We stand in support of you," Gandhi remarked.

Opposition alliance MPs are traveling to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg in Delhi to pay respects to the 21 students who lost their lives in the aftermath of the NEET paper leak, as well as those wounded during the police action on CJP demonstrators. "We are traveling to pay homage to the young students we lost—the children pushed to end their own lives following the NEET paper leak. We also go to stand in solidarity with those who are injured today after being beaten for peacefully calling for justice and accountability," Gandhi shared in a post on X.

The Cockroach Janta Party, which is spearheading the ongoing demonstrations, has urged citizens to participate in peaceful protests across the country on Friday (July 24) to voice their anger against the police violence directed at students in Delhi on July 20.

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Establishments, offices, and eateries in Delhi's Connaught Place are set to wind up operations by 6.30 p.m. on Thursday (July 23, 2026). This decision follows a safety advisory released by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), which pointed to the volatile conditions prevailing in the vicinity. According to the advisory circular distributed on Thursday (July 23, 2026), the merchant association took this step after receiving telephonic guidance from the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The council authorities advised all business places in Connaught Place to shut down their operations for the day by 6.30 p.m. Commercial stores in Connaught Place will remain closed after 6.30 p.m. on July 23 in response to the escalating protests and security threats.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has turned down the dialogue offer made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The CJP maintained that either government representatives must visit the Jantar Mantar protest site, or the discussions should take place at a neutral location. According to Ashutosh Ranka, a representative of the CJP, the ministers claimed that public anger makes it unsafe for them to visit the protest site. "Please do not waste our valuable time," Ranka expressed. Here is the detailed coverage: The central administration has invited the protesting student leaders to hold discussions at J.P. Nadda's office, but the CJP has declined. Demonstrations persist across Delhi as the Cockroach Janta Party rejects the official talk proposals, continuing to demand student rights and the immediate resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has invited student leaders for an open discussion regarding the ongoing demonstrations and the exam paper leak controversies. He emphasized that the government does not view this as a prestige issue, adding that he, along with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, is fully prepared for an open-ended dialogue at either Mr. Nadda's office or his private residence.

Union minister J.P. Nadda invited the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) for discussions on Thursday (July 23, 2026), but party leaders declined the proposal, according to sources. On Wednesday (July 22, 2026) as well, the CJP was invited to hold talks with Mr. Nadda, but it turned down the offer, asserting that discussions with the administration would only occur at a neutral venue. "An invitation for talks was sent to the CJP by J.P. Nadda today, but those leading the protest from the stage rejected it," a source informed PTI.

Police are halting auto-rickshaws and asking students to step out to prevent them from reaching the protest venue near Delhi's Nizamuddin. Students reported that they were being blocked from moving forward in central Delhi as well, which is about 5 km away from where the demonstration is happening. "We are stopping only those students who are heading toward the protest because Section 144 is active. We are explaining to them that they might get hurt there," a police officer at the spot said, adding that they were not halting other vehicles or passengers in auto-rickshaws traveling for other purposes.

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In a show of support for the protesting students in Delhi, social activist Anna Hazare observed a two-hour silent protest (maun andolan) in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar. The activist's aide Datta Awari informed PTI that the protest commenced at 11 a.m. and concluded at 1 p.m. After holding the demonstration near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Ahilyanagar, Mr. Hazare returned to his village Ralegan Siddhi, which is in the same district. On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), Mr. Hazare wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing that the news regarding the violence and subsequent police actions was deeply painful.

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On Friday (July 23, 2026), the Delhi High Court is set to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) that demands an investigation into the Jantar Mantar protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party regarding discrepancies in examinations. The petitioner's advocate brought up the PIL before a division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, asking for an urgent listing on Friday (July 23, 2026). Lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha argued that the demonstration, styled as a student movement, has taken the entire capital hostage, causing road blockages and immense distress to Delhi residents. Accepting the request, Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked, "Alright. Tomorrow."

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has stated that no debates can take place in Parliament until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tenders his resignation.

Members of SFI and DYFI held a protest demonstration in Chennai's Guindy area on Thursday (July 23, 2026). They raised slogans against NEET exams and demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down from his post.

Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of Sonam Wangchuk, has requested the public and authorities not to link any incidents of violence in other areas of Delhi to the ongoing stir at Jantar Mantar. In a social media update, she wrote that the student-led agitation at Jantar Mantar is completely peaceful. She urged people not to blame this movement for any violence elsewhere without solid proof, highlighting that anyone who knows these youths is well aware of their immense restraint, discipline, and patience. She expressed concern over the system's quickness to doubt its own students rather than listening to their genuine issues. She added that children should be protected instead of being painted as wrongdoers, and their concerns must not be suppressed by self-serving narratives.

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration regarding the creation of fast-track courts, CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka remarked that while this is just one aspect, the fundamental question that needs an answer is why paper leaks occur at all.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the welfare and bright future of young people are the utmost priority and resolution of the Modi government. He stated that the Prime Minister's decision to set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those responsible for paper leaks reflects this dedication.

Vikas Singh, the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), on Thursday (July 23, 2026) highlighted the difficulties faced by lawyers due to the shut down of the Supreme Court Metro station to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.

The Delhi Police has filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the violence at Sansad Marg, which resulted in "grievous injuries" to two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) on Wednesday (July 22, 2026). Additionally, the police department dismissed rumors about the death of a hospitalized girl, labeling the reports as entirely fake news.

A united opposition reacted strongly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of establishing fast-track courts for paper leak investigations, firmly demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Slamming the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated on social media that the PM has caused the greatest harm to the youth's future by encouraging the capture and ruin of the education sector while shielding those responsible. Gandhi listed three clear demands from the students: the immediate dismissal of Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to the students, and strict action against the individuals who assaulted the protesters.

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi's latest statement on paper leaks, claiming that the country's education system has deteriorated under his administration and that cosmetic or piecemeal measures are not enough. Kharge pointed out that the youth have only three straightforward demands: the prompt removal of Education Minister Pradhan, an apology for the high-handed actions and violence against them, and justice for those who were targeted by the administration.

Reacting to Prime Minister Modi's social media post regarding paper leaks, Rahul Gandhi reiterated the three main demands of the agitating students: the dismissal of Dharmendra Pradhan, a formal apology to the students, and taking strict action against those who beat up the protestors.

Following Prime Minister Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took a swipe at the government over the closure of 16 metro stations, stating that Modi is willing to shut down the entire capital but refuses to fire Dharmendra Pradhan.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to conduct an inquiry into the paper leak scandals, the CJP asserted that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must step down from his post.

In a social media post on X on Thursday (July 23, 2026), Prime Minister Modi stated that the government has resolved to set up fast-track courts to guarantee rapid and strict punishment for individuals implicated in exam paper leaks. He mentioned that instructions have been issued to the relevant departments and officers to initiate all required measures, describing it as part of an ongoing effort to protect the welfare of students.

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of CJP, stated on Thursday, July 23, 2026, that external elements are being brought in to intentionally create chaos at the demonstration, as reported by ANI. He noted that while the protest had remained peaceful for the past month, the BJP is now sending hired muscle from outside to provoke the crowd as the movement gains momentum.

The Mumbai Police have registered 13 criminal cases linked to the demonstrations held in the city to support the Cockroach Janta Party. According to a report by Vinaya Deshpande, these FIRs, filed since July 18, 2026, invoke charges concerning unlawful gathering and violation of prohibitory directives, naming approximately 400 individuals as accused.

With the beginning of Thursday, July 23, 2026, the protest site at Jantar Mantar is preparing for another day of agitation as demonstrators press for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has asserted that their demonstration will not be called off until all their conditions are met and Dharmendra Pradhan steps down from his post. He added that they would not let the hunger strike of activist Sonam Wangchuk go in vain.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation suspended operations at 16 metro stations on Thursday (July 23, 2026) until subsequent directions. It clarified that interchange facilities will continue to be operational for commuters at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat.

On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), the Delhi High Court rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the forced relocation of activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on day 21 of his fast. A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia pointed out that the issue of Mr. Wangchuk's hospitalization at Safdarjung Hospital had previously been raised by his wife before the high court, and the matter was resolved to their satisfaction.

A 19-year-old protester, who was hit by a pellet gun during police action during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) march to Parliament on July 20, may lose his eyesight in the right eye, his family members said. Sahil Lochab, who lives in Najafgarh in southwest Delhi, underwent a surgical procedure to extract the pellets at the AIIMS Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre on Tuesday (July 21, 2026). His family said that medical professionals have informed them that because the pupil was severely damaged, there is only a "1% chance" of his vision returning in the injured eye.