Live: Jantar Mantar Protests: Moving Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry unacceptable to students, says Rahul Gandhi

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has issued a call for a countrywide candle-light march on Sunday evening (July 26, 2026) to show solidarity with individuals who faced police violence during their march to Parliament on July 20. A social media post by the party mentioned that various student groups and organizations must cooperate to handle the required permissions and logistical arrangements.

Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk posted a YouTube video late on Friday night (July 24, 2026), describing his ordeal over the last few days and including footage of what occurred when he was departing Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court permitted his transfer to Gurugram's Medanta Hospital. In response, the Safdarjung Hospital administration stated that the shared footage was captured prior to the official receipt of the Delhi High Court's written directives. The video depicts Mr. Wangchuk in an altercation with a security guard at Safdarjung Hospital, claiming he was being blocked from exiting the facility. He is heard demanding that the staff should either place him under arrest or permit his departure. The medical institution clarified that Mr. Wangchuk was transferred to the medical team from Medanta Gurugram at 6:40 pm on that very day, shortly after they officially got the written court order.

A resident of Ghaziabad who is volunteering at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against alleged exam paper leaks has claimed that law enforcement officials detained his relatives in Ghaziabad and troubled his family members in Meerut due to his involvement in the protest. Mohammad Junaid, who has been distributing complimentary meals and drinking water to demonstrators, stated to reporters at the protest site on Friday that Uttar Pradesh Police raided his house, took away his family members, and confiscated their PAN cards and bank passbooks. His family members stated that personnel from the Masoori police station in Ghaziabad arrived at their house in Nahal village on Thursday evening (July 23, 2026) and conducted a search. They asserted that Mr. Junaid's father, Mustafa, was taken into custody, and the officers also seized bank passbooks and PAN cards belonging to the household. His sister informed journalists that the police pressured her father to contact Mr. Junaid and request his immediate return. Furthermore, Mr. Junaid claimed that the police harassed his relatives living in the nearby district of Meerut. Meanwhile, the Meerut Police have denied conducting any operation or taking any action against the family of Mr. Junaid.

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) strongly criticized the Delhi Police for their allegedly dictatorial measures around the Jantar Mantar protest site. The party urged the police forces to immediately halt the illegal detention and intimidation of citizens, and stop blocking people from arriving at Jantar Mantar to protest, thereby preventing the creation of a fearful environment. This demand was issued as authorities beefed up security measures across various parts of the national capital due to a surge in the number of participants at the CJP-led demonstration over the weekend.

Detailing their third demand, Rahul Gandhi asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the head of the administration, must offer an apology to the student community for the lack of accountability and the harsh treatment meted out by the police. Speaking to journalists, he mentioned that the person creating night-time videos claimed to have received excellent recommendations, but has no actual connection to the issue. He noted that students are not interested in recommendations; they simply want Dharmendra Pradhan to be removed. Therefore, as the primary leader in charge, PM Modi must apologize for insulting and assaulting them. Regarding their second demand, the Congress leader insisted on strict action against those who planned and executed the violent baton charge on students during their march toward Parliament on July 20.

In New Delhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made it clear to journalists that transferring Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to a different portfolio would not be acceptable to the demonstrating students. Flanked by three student representatives, Gandhi outlined their primary demands in connection with the protests over the NEET question paper leak. Neha, the national president of AISA (the student wing of CPI(ML) Liberation) who had ended her hunger strike on July 20, was among those standing with him. He commented that the incompetent and corrupt minister must be dismissed immediately. He revealed that reports from government circles suggest PM Modi's cabinet is considering transferring Pradhan to another ministry as a solution, which he rejected outright, stating that nothing short of a complete sacking is acceptable.

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, CPI(M) leader P.A. Mohamed Riyas criticized Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, accusing him of fabricating political narratives and failing to show solidarity with the protests organized by CJP and students in the national capital. Riyas told the press that despite Satheesan's presence at a demonstration near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi, he maintained silence regarding the struggle of students and CJP members against exam malpractice issues, such as those in NEET. The CPI(M) leader also pointed out that Satheesan chose not to speak out against the harsh police actions taken against the young protesters in Delhi. He charged the Kerala CM with hypocrisy, pointing out that under his administration, the state police have been filing charges against individuals holding solidarity events or protests in Kerala supporting the Delhi demonstrations.

Ashutosh Ranka, the spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has claimed that law enforcement authorities in Delhi are actively blocking activists from reaching the Jantar Mantar venue. While releasing screenshots of unnamed messages, he declared that no matter what the police try, they will fail to prevent people from reaching Jantar Mantar, accessing food, or supporting the cause. The shared texts also suggested that the Delhi Police have been warning local eateries and restaurants against delivering large meal orders destined for the demonstration site.

The spouse of activist Sonam Wangchuk, Gitanjali Angmo, claimed on Saturday, July 25, 2026, that law enforcement personnel are heavily deployed around him and are controlling access to her husband. Wangchuk is currently recuperating at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after ending his hunger strike. In a post on social media platform X, she raised a concern, asking on what legal grounds such restrictions are being imposed when the court has already made it clear that he is not being detained.

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka stated that if Prime Minister Modi is busy creating social media reels late at night, it indicates instability within the governance structure. He suggested that the PM should focus on taking firm action first and secure the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, promising that the party would gladly share those reels. Ranka also noted that the administration has finally initiated dialogue with the agitating students.

Ahead of the weekend, security measures have been significantly reinforced in Delhi. Law enforcement officials reported on Saturday, July 25, 2026, that the Delhi Police have positioned extra barricades at critical zones and bound them with strong chains to deter anyone from crossing the security lines. According to a police official, multiple rows of barriers have been set up at sensitive locations. These barriers have been chained and welded to prevent easy removal or relocation, and extra personnel are being deployed to maintain public order. Along with these physical obstructions, monitoring and security operations have been scaled up across the national capital.

In response to Congress parliamentarian Imran Masood calling Sonam Wangchuk "Anna part two" and accusing him of striking a private agreement with the authorities, CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka remarked that they are unaware of the Congress party's mindset. He pointed out that they themselves have engaged in various discussions to avoid litigation and secure compensation, adding that casting doubts on Wangchuk is unjust.

Law enforcement in Kolkata has filed six separate cases, five of which involve assaults on journalists, following the clashes that occurred at Esplanade on Friday, July 24, 2026. A large crowd of several thousand individuals had marched from Sealdah to Esplanade in Kolkata to express solidarity with the student demonstrators in Delhi.

Due to security alerts linked to the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, eighteen metro stations in central Delhi stayed closed for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The DMRC stated that the closures will take effect starting at 7:30 AM daily until new directives are issued. Commuters can still access train transfers at the Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat stations.

Officials confirmed on Saturday morning, July 25, 2026, that the total number of police cases registered against those who marched toward Parliament on July 20 has now reached thirteen.

In a video broadcast on Saturday morning, July 25, 2026, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he has been diagnosed with typhoid, but declared that the struggle will persist until Dharmendra Pradhan steps down from his post.

An unnamed 28-year-old reporter working with Outlook, who suffered injuries during the July 20 demonstrations, recalled sensing danger upon seeing an officer stationed for security duties near Jantar Mantar's Statesman House raise a firearm. He mentioned that amid the chaotic crowd, he watched the officer aim a weapon, causing people to scatter in panic. Though he remained awake, he felt severe pain. After receiving a basic tetanus vaccination that afternoon, the gravity of his physical injuries became clear only on the following morning.

Following a similar move by Delhi University (DU), both JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia have released circulars cautioning their students to stay away from demonstrations near Jantar Mantar. They warned that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary and legal measures. This has triggered significant criticism, with critics accusing the universities of trying to suppress free expression and democratic dissent.

In a statement on social media platform X, the CJP alleged that the Uttar Pradesh police have been targeting their volunteer, Mohd Junaid. The party stated that rather than pursuing actual offenders, the UP police are targeting Junaid, who has been distributing meals and water to protesters, and are currently intimidating him and his relatives in UP. The CJP confirmed they are in contact with him, declaring they will defend his family and challenge any unlawful police actions in court.

In a press release issued on Friday, July 24, CPIML Liberation revealed that CPI(ML) central committee member Kumar Parvez and AISA representative Divyam were taken into custody by Bihar Police. This action comes before the planned Bihar strike on July 25, organized to support the youth movement. The party noted that prior detentions included CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh, former JNUSU president Dhananjay, and AISA representatives Dipankar and Saba. The strike was organized by AISA in protest against the force used by Patna police on students on July 22.

Ashutosh Ranka, the National Spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party, stated that a meeting was scheduled between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM today, though the venue remains undecided. He emphasized that they require written commitments for the two demands that have received agreement in principle. Additionally, he insisted on a clear 'yes or no' response regarding whether the government will demand Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, leaving no room for further negotiations on the matter.

Demonstrations and sit-ins were observed across various districts of Bihar on Friday (July 24, 2026) as local residents and students demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down from his post over the alleged NEET examination paper leak. AISA has called for a 'Bihar Bandh' on July 25 to protest against the police lathi charge and violence unleashed on the students demonstrating against the paper leak.

With the gathering at Jantar Mantar growing larger, Delhi Police have put up high-resolution cameras and positioned a minimum of three mobile surveillance units near the protest site. These systems record live footage in real-time, matching the data with the police records to detect and separate individuals having criminal histories. The demonstration area is now covered by an extensive network of cameras and facial recognition tools, as Delhi Police's introduction of advanced monitoring triggers debates over privacy and the moral implications of facial recognition tech.

Various organizations advocating for disability rights, medical associations, individuals, and active members of civil society have strongly criticized the reported application of pellet guns and electric shock devices on demonstrators during the 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi on July 20. This controversial action reportedly took place during a youth mobilization led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding the leaks of test papers.

Screenshot 2026-07-25 081332.png A video footage captured on July 21 at Safdarjung Hospital shows the medical facility's staff and police officers trying to block Sonam Wangchuk's departure for Medanta Hospital, despite the Delhi High Court's ruling permitting his transfer to Medanta, Gurugram. — Vijaita Singh

Ashutosh Ranka, the national spokesperson for CJP, stated, 'Yesterday's talks resulted in a favorable development concerning restitution and legal concerns. A preliminary agreement was established. We are optimistic about obtaining the formal written version of that agreement today. However, no absolute outcome has been reached regarding our principal demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. In reality, reports circulating on major news outlets yesterday quoted sources claiming Pradhan would not step down. If he is not resigning, they should make it clear; there is no utility in holding such discussions. We will plan our next course of action. If the administration persists in this manner, we will have no option but to adopt a harsher approach.' — ANI

Taking aim at the fresh travel guidelines released by the Delhi Traffic Police on Friday (July 24), Sourav Das of the CJP remarked, 'The administration is aiming to blockade Jantar Mantar! It intends to block and cut off the delivery of food, water supply, waste management, healthcare access, electricity connections, and the free flow of individuals to the protest location!'

Masses of citizens kept arriving at the protest site of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Friday (July 24), despite official measures that shut down the entry and exit points of 18 metro stations, which is two more than the number shut down on Thursday. Digital connectivity remained blocked at Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, and several central Delhi zones for the third day in a row. The energy of the demonstration showed no signs of slowing down despite these massive barriers.

Following online backlash from various social media accounts for concluding his fast-to-death in front of Union Ministers, social reformer Sonam Wangchuk put out a detailed video statement on Friday (July 24, 2026). He maintained that he 'did not cut any deal' with the administration and ended his fast primarily due to apprehensions of an impending police action on the student demonstrators at Jantar Mantar.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated on Friday that establishing special fast-track courts to adjudicate cases of examination paper leaks would represent a vital initiative to deliver justice to dedicated students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the administration has resolved to create fast-track judicial systems to guarantee rapid and severe penalties for the perpetrators of paper leaks. In her maiden public statement regarding the matter, Ms. Gupta shared on X that guarding the interests of students and securing a promising future for younger generations remain the topmost priorities of the administration. — PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his appreciation to the public for their feedback and constructive recommendations sent in response to his video broadcast, in which he declared the administration's plan to enact a rigorous law against those implicated in exam paper leaks. During his video address, PM Modi noted that a fresh legislative bill containing measures for severe penalties against examination leaks will be tabled during the ongoing parliamentary session next week. The proposed draft of the bill, which was first mentioned by the Prime Minister in an Instagram clip shared between Thursday night and Friday morning, received formal approval from the Union Cabinet on Friday. — PTI