Live: Sonam Wangchuk vows to end fast if government owns up to education failures; CJP's Parliament march today

Footage captured at Janpath just minutes ago showed a sizeable number of protesters still firmly planted at the location. Police made repeated bids to clear the area, but demonstrators refused to budge.

Cockroach Janta Party posted on X that its members Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, together with Gitanjali Angmo — activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife — are sustaining their peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, in front of Kerala House.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, took to X to sharply denounce what he called the heavy-handed conduct of police against CJP youth demonstrators. "For well over a decade, DMK has championed the cause of scrapping NEET. Today, Tamil Nadu's resistance to NEET is reverberating across the entire country, and its voice has reached the national capital as well," Mr. Stalin said. "Rather than engaging with the legitimate grievances of the protesters, the government has chosen to deploy its police force against them. This has no place in any democracy," he added.

Visuals arriving from मुंबई showed police taking action against people who had assembled near Chaityabhoomi to show solidarity with CJP and activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Additional Commissioner of Police Rajeev Ranjan put out a video on X appealing to every protester present to remain peaceful, show restraint, and work alongside police to preserve order across the city. In the clip, he specifically requested all participants to keep their behaviour lawful and non-violent, to steer clear of any unlawful activities, and to comply with the directives issued by officers and personnel deployed on duty.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, after wrapping up a round of talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party, called on all protesters staging the sit-in to wind it up and cooperate with the administration in bringing the situation back to normal. In a post on X, Mr. Nadda noted that discussions got under way at 11.50 a.m. 'The meeting took place in an amicable atmosphere. We had a detailed verbal exchange with their delegation, and around 4 p.m. they handed over a formal written petition to me,' he said.

The Delhi High Court has scheduled for Tuesday the hearing of a petition filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of Sonam Wangchuk, who is seeking his transfer out of Safdarjung Hospital to a medical facility of his own choice. The court made clear that its immediate priority was to 'save his life first,' and sought detailed information on Mr. Wangchuk's current health status. It directed that all pathological reports from Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, and a private laboratory be formally placed on the court record. The bench also ordered that the doctors heading Mr. Wangchuk's treatment team at Safdarjung Hospital, as well as his personal physician, be present at the next hearing. —Soibam Rocky Singh

Delhi Police fired tear gas shells and wielded batons along Parliament Street on Monday as thousands of protesters advanced toward Parliament, which had assembled for the inaugural day of the Monsoon Session. — PTI

CJP spokesperson Sourav Das has released the written list of demands that the party's delegation submitted to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda during their meeting with him.

CJP spokesperson Sourav Das made public the letter submitted to BJP president J.P. Nadda, which sets out the principal demands put forward by those participating in the ongoing protest.

On Monday, July 20, CJP reiterated its longstanding demand that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tender his resignation from office.

CJP spokesperson Sourav Das has made it clear that Abhijeet Dipke has not been taken into custody and is not under arrest at this time.

Tear gas was fired at CJP demonstrators who had gathered close to Parliament House in New Delhi on Monday, July 20, 2026. (Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma)

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka disclosed that Health Minister J.P. Nadda has sought time to coordinate with BJP's top leadership before responding to the party's demands. Ranka posted on X: "Nadda ji has asked for time to align with their leadership on our demands — 1) Sonam Wangchuk must be freed immediately. 2) Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. 3) ₹1 Crore compensation must be paid to every NEET aspirant's family who lost their life following the NEET-UG paper leak."

The CJP posted on X claiming that police physically attacked Gitanjali Angmo, wife of detained activist Sonam Wangchuk, while the party's march toward Parliament was underway. The organisation further alleged that a child was also struck during the same police action.

Protesters who had been forced off Rafi Marg streamed into the open grounds of India Gate. Police motorcycles and vans then drove onto the lawns in pursuit, attempting to disperse the crowd there as well.

Riot control vehicles were stationed outside Parliament after protesters were taken into custody near Rail Bhawan. With demonstrators massing outside the building, Rail Bhawan staff were prevented from stepping out of their offices on Monday, July 20, 2026. (Photo: Ishita Mishra)

Cockroach Janta Party Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das announced that he had a meeting with BJP president J.P. Nadda. Das posted on X that after a wait of more than two hours, he and Ashutosh Ranka were received at Nadda's residence for a ten-minute meeting. A written letter containing the party's demands was submitted during the meeting, and Nadda gave his assurance that he would consult internally in the meantime. Das also noted that reports of large-scale detentions were coming in.

CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das posted on his X account that he and Ashutosh Ranka managed a ten-minute meeting with J.P. Nadda at his residence after waiting for more than two hours. Das said they handed Nadda a written letter setting out their demands, and Nadda assured them he would take the matter up through internal discussions. Das also flagged that reports of large-scale detentions were arriving from the ground.

A photograph from the spot shows protesters having gathered outside Rail Bhawan, following which authorities prevented staff working inside the building from stepping out during the ongoing demonstration.

Visuals emerging from the ground show security personnel deploying tear gas shells against CJP protesters who were advancing toward Parliament House as part of their demonstration.

Police sealed off Rafi Marg — the road leading to Parliament — on Monday, July 20. After students launched a sit-in demonstration at the location, officers detained them and cleared the stretch. Those driven away from Rafi Marg then spilled onto the India Gate lawns, where police motorcycles and vans pursued them across the grass to disperse the crowd.

CJP shared footage on its X account showing security personnel inside Parliament premises positioned as if readying to open fire. The organisation wrote alongside the video: "Visuals from inside Parliament show security forces taking up firing stances. Please do not shoot at the young people of this country. They are raising no unreasonable demands — all they want is accountability for students who have died due to government negligence."

CJP lashed out at what it described as a deliberate internet blackout imposed by authorities across pockets of the capital. The organisation said: "If you are wondering why our ground-level updates have dried up — the cowardly authorities have switched off internet services in parts of the city. You can cut the connection, but you cannot close the eyes and ears of the protesters who will witness everything happening in Delhi and tell the world."

Security arrangements around Parliament have been substantially reinforced, with the commencement of the Monsoon session today and CJP's proposed march toward the building both driving the deployment of additional forces at the premises.

CJP demonstrators have advanced to the Press Club of India. Parliament sits right at the next intersection from there, meaning the protesters are now within touching distance of their destination.

The marching protesters have now reached the Press Club of India. India's Parliament building lies just one intersection away from where they currently stand.

CJP took to X to strongly denounce the use of tear gas against its supporters near Parliament. "Is this a war zone? Why is the police resorting to tear gas assault on peaceful protesters?" the party wrote. In the same post, tagging Prime Minister Modi, CJP added, "First your govt ignored this protest for a month and now when we are peacefully marching your govt is attacking us."

Tear gas shells were fired near the Press Club of India on Monday (July 20) to scatter the crowd that had assembled in solidarity with CJP's Parliament March.

Protesters advancing toward Parliament from the Sansad Marg side were brought to a halt by security personnel stationed right outside the Sansad Marg Police Station. Forces resorted to batons to manage the demonstrators. Some protesters sustained injuries and were administered first aid at the scene.

Delhi Police has closed Vikas Marg near ITO to all vehicular movement. The road is a critical artery linking ITO to central Delhi, where both Parliament and Jantar Mantar are situated.

Security forces launched a baton-charge near Parliament Street on Monday after thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters allegedly attempted to push through barricades set up along the route of their Parliament march. Sources said that at around 11.25 a.m., demonstrators tried to force their way past multiple barriers in the high-security zone. A scuffle-like situation followed, in which some protesters and police personnel suffered minor injuries, sources said. Approximately 10 to 15 protesters were reported to have been taken into detention, sources added.

Three members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) — Neha, Manish and Aameen — ended their 23-day hunger strike on Monday. The decision came after an appeal by a delegation led by parliamentarians Manoj Jha, Rajaram Singh and Amra Ram, joined by Dr. Yogendra Yadav, advocate Prashant Bhushan, Professor Atul Sood, and actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi. AISA made clear, however, that the fight would continue through other avenues. In a statement, the organisation said it would launch a month-long campaign against Dharmendra Pradhan, NTA and NEP 2020, running alongside the current Parliament session.

Thousands of demonstrators converged on Jantar Mantar on Monday despite an overwhelming security presence and mobile internet shutdowns across parts of central Delhi. Near Parliament Street, police baton-charged the protesters and a number of them were subsequently detained.

Cockroach Janta Party spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are set to sit down with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda shortly.

CJP's Saurav Das told The Hindu that the party's representatives are on their way to negotiations, "probably with a senior minister." Das shared this information in the wake of barricades being broken by protesters.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk wrote to the director of Safdarjung Hospital on Monday (July 20), urging that he be permitted to leave. In the letter, he pointed out that all his health parameters are in satisfactory condition and requested discharge, at least on a temporary basis, stating that he wishes to participate in the Parliament March.

The central government has initiated efforts to open a dialogue with the CJP leadership. Representing the Centre, New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma is currently holding discussions with the CJP representatives. Insider sources revealed that the group was previously offered meetings with the District Magistrate, a Union Government Secretary, and a Minister of State, all of which were turned down by the members. According to sources, the CJP is insisting on a direct discussion with either the Prime Minister or a Cabinet-level Minister. They have already handed over a list of preferred ministers to the DCP.

Sharing a video clip of police officials baton-charging the demonstrators, the CJP stated through its official handle, "PM Modi, instruct your police force to back off. Lest you have forgotten, we live in a democracy. The global community is observing how you are attempting to suppress a peaceful and democratic demonstration."

Huge gatherings of several thousand individuals assembled at Jantar Mantar even as mobile data services were suspended in various sectors of central Delhi. Visuals from the scene indicated intermittent skirmishes between the demonstrators and law enforcement personnel. Although security forces attempted to manage the crowds, people kept assembling in groups of hundreds around Jantar Mantar and blocked Tolstoy Marg towards the northern boundary. CJP leaders urged the crowd to keep the agitation peaceful. Speaking from the stage, Dr Gitanjali J. Angmo, spouse of activist Sonam Wangchuk, remarked that Indian youth have proven they differ from the Gen Z generation of other nations. However, the voices of the speakers could barely be heard past a hundred meters, as the roaring slogans from the crowd overwhelmed both the organizers' announcements and the police megaphones. Traffic was heavily regulated around Janpath, where a slim entry point saw people continuously streaming in and out.

According to eyewitness accounts, Delhi Police resorted to a baton-charge on Monday, July 20, to scatter hundreds of student demonstrators and youth activists. The group was marching from the Mandi House metro station towards Jantar Mantar to join the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest. A significant number of female protestors were part of the group that shouted anti-government slogans during the march. A large contingent of Delhi Police was positioned along the route to halt their progress. Law enforcement agencies have not yet issued any official comment regarding the use of physical force or potential detentions.

The chief spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party, Saurav Das, has been escorted to the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

Dr Gitanjali Angmo, wife of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, stated, "Our primary focus remains on this march. Today, three key aspects are crucial. First and foremost, we must ensure that the demonstration is conducted in a peaceful manner. We need to stay concentrated on our main agenda—education, which is a fundamental requirement for the nation—and we must stay alert."

Security measures have been significantly stepped up across the national capital in anticipation of the "Chalo Sansad" march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party.

According to the official medical update, Sonam Wangchuk is receiving thorough medical attention at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. His vital signs are currently stable, although his blood test results require continuous clinical tracking. Under the steady guidance of a multi-specialty expert panel, he remains under constant medical care. The assessment from the medical teams at VMMC, Safdarjung Hospital, and AIIMS, New Delhi, emphasizes that ongoing clinical monitoring and healthcare interventions are crucial to identify and address any complications early on.

In a video address published prior to the CJP's march to Parliament, organization spokesperson Sourav Das urged everyone to stay peaceful and calm. He requested people to remain patient regardless of their location, noting that the closure of several metro stations by the police has caused inconvenience. Das emphasized that even if stopped by authorities, demonstrators must maintain peace and tranquility, asserting that love and peaceful means are the keys to their success.

Chandrashekhar Azad, the leader of the Azad Samaj Party, has reached the protest ground at Jantar Mantar ahead of the CJP's planned march to Parliament.

Gitanjali J. Angmo, the wife of Sonam Wangchuk, has filed an appeal with a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court. She is contesting a single-judge bench's decision that turned down her request to move Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The petition is expected to be placed before the court during today's session.

Security forces shut down metro entry points amid protests by supporters of Sonam Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijit Dipke. The demonstrators at Jantar Mantar are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over suspected paper leaks in NEET and other exam discrepancies. DMRC officials confirmed that the gates at Central Secretariat and Rajiv Chowk have since been reopened, permitting passengers to transfer lines. The remaining closed stations will restart operations after receiving further clearance, officials added.

Prominent actor Shabana Azmi has arrived at the Jantar Mantar protest site to interact with the agitators.

Citing security concerns, the Delhi Metro announced the suspension of services at Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth metro stations today, ahead of the planned Parliament march. In an update on social media platform X, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) noted that these stations would remain closed to the public until further notice. Passengers are allowed to interchange trains only at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat.

Members and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party have assembled ahead of their planned demonstration towards Parliament.

Film personality Prakash Raj was seen resting alongside other demonstrators at the Jantar Mantar protest area in New Delhi.

Security forces in Delhi have been placed on high alert as the Parliament's Monsoon Session begins alongside the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) scheduled "Chalo Sansad" demonstration today. Intense security presence is noticeable around Parliament, Jantar Mantar, and adjacent sensitive zones. Furthermore, administration has put restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS in the New Delhi administrative district. DCP Sachin Sharma posted an advisory on social media platform X, stating that the Delhi Police has not received any applications nor granted any permission for the protest march. The DCP's post confirmed the active status of Section 163 BNSS, which replaces the former Section 144 CrPC, across the New Delhi district. Consequently, gathering of five or more individuals, demonstrations, and processions are completely banned in the district, unless conducted with prior approval at the designated Jantar Mantar site. The police officer warned that violators of these restrictive measures could face legal action under Section 223 of the BNS and other relevant statutory codes.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke highlighted that a damaged van and a truck loaded with stones have been spotted close to the Jantar Mantar site. The CJP intends to initiate its march towards Parliament at 9:00 AM. Meanwhile, the All India Students' Association (AISA), which has three members entering the 23rd day of an ongoing hunger strike, mentioned they would host a delegation requesting them to call off their fast.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would call off his fast on Monday, July 20, 2026, provided the administration accepts accountability for the system's failures in education or if parliamentarians guarantee that they will raise this issue inside Parliament. In an update shared on X, Wangchuk noted that due to health constraints, he cannot take part in the upcoming march to Parliament. He urged lawmakers from various political parties to visit him at Safdarjung Hospital to commit to bringing up the exam paper leak controversies in the House. Furthermore, Wangchuk alleged that his right to communicate and express his views freely has been curtailed under what he termed an "illegal detention" at Safdarjung Hospital.

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 19, 2026, a massive stream of people poured into the CJP demonstration site at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi through both its entry points. The space inside was so tightly packed that navigating even a short distance without brushing against other attendees was virtually out of the question. Preceding this, a night vigil organised at the same venue had brought together roughly 20,000 supporters, generating significant energy in the run-up to the group's planned march to Parliament on July 20.