The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ever since the start of protest. Now that demand has been fulfilled, two more demands remain unfulfilled, the party said in a post on X.

Sharing an update on its demands, the CJP wrote:

1. Dharmedra Pradhan must resign - DONE

2. 1 crore to the families of all students who died by suicide - PENDING

3. No action against any of the student protesters - PENDING

The Cockroach Janta Party Demands Update:
1. Dharmedra Pradhan must resign ✅
2. 1 crore to the families of all students who died by suicide - PENDING
3. No action against any of the student protesters - PENDING
: CJP Chief

— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 25, 2026

शिक्षा मंत्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान ने इस्तीफा दिया।
ये छात्रों की जीत है। pic.twitter.com/QgFV5pcsKt

— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 25, 2026

In a letter posted on X, Dharmendra Pradhan said it has never been a "matter of personal prestige for him".

Anti-leak bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday. The Bill proposes jail term to 10 years for accused, fine may rise to Rs 50 lakh.

🔴#BREAKING | #NDTVExclusive: Anti-leak bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday; Bill proposes jail term to 10 years for accused, fine may rise to Rs 50 Lakh
NDTV's @AkhileshSharma1 joins @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/xi0TuekGLa

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 25, 2026

शिक्षा मंत्री जी ने अपना इस्तीफा भेजा।
छात्र शक्ति जिंदाबाद 🇮🇳 https://t.co/pSDDchOCs0

— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 25, 2026

pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

🔴#BREAKING | NEET protests turn reportedly violent in Patna: Lathicharge, stone-pelting during protests; JJD chief Tej Pratap Yadav detained
NDTV's @journal_raman joins @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/G5SYlDN8X3

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 25, 2026

Safdarjung authorities said the video in which Sonam Wangchuk is seen arguing with a security person at the hospital on July 21, alleging that he was being prevented from leaving the premises, was "purportedly recorded" by activist's aides in a designated no-videography zone and released only on Friday.

"The video was reportedly recorded before the hospital administration received the written order of the high court. At that time, Mr Wangchuk insisted on leaving the hospital based on information available in the media," the hospital said.

"It is pertinent to note that Mr Wangchuk was handed over to the team of doctors from Medanta Gurugram on the same day at 6:40 pm, immediately after the written order was received by the hospital," the hospital added.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he was prevented from leaving the state-run Safdarjung Hospital for several hours despite the Delhi High Court permitting him to be shifted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike since June 28 at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in support of the satirical political group, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by the police on the morning of July 18, citing medical advice and Delhi High Court directions. He was then shifted to Medanta, a private hospital, on July 21 following a Delhi High Court direction.

In a video shared on his YouTube account on Friday night, the 59-year-old Wangchuk was seen arguing with a security person at Safdarjung on July 21, alleging that he was being prevented from leaving the premises.

"Ask them to arrest me. I am a free citizen," Wangchuk was heard telling the cop as he walked through the hospital corridors.

"You are keeping me for three hours on the 25th day of my hunger strike," Wangchuk added.

"You all are harassing me. If I die of stress, it will be your responsibility," he said as he continued walking towards the exit.

"We are not harassing you," the police personnel responded.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the misleading and false information related to Jantar Mantar protest, DCP Central Rohit Rajbir Singh says, "A protest has been going on at Jantar Mantar for the past several weeks by the Cockroach Janata Party... Information on social media goes viral very… pic.twitter.com/eStIyMXa1Y

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2026

NATIONWIDE CALL FOR A CANDLE MARCH!!
🗓️ 26th July, Sunday
⏰ 6PM pic.twitter.com/uDistbzJId

— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 25, 2026

Reiterating the students' other demands, Rahul Gandhi pointed to the injury on the leg of one of the students present with him, saying those responsible for attacking students must be held accountable.

"Those who have assaulted our students will have to pay the price. There should be action against those who fired pellets and used lathis on the protesting students," Gandhi said.

Repeating the call for the Prime Minister to apologise, Rahul Gandhi said: "As the leader of the entire machinery, the Prime Minister must apologise to the students who were assaulted in Delhi."

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late-night video messages to the youth, Rahul Gandhi said that students are demanding action, not just assurances.

"PM is busy making videos late at night these days. He says he is grateful for suggestions. But students are demanding action, not assurances. PM must act and sack Dharmendra Pradhan," he said.

Calling Pradhan the symbol of "corruption and destruction" of the education system, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said that nothing short of sacking him will satisfy the students.

He further said that merely shifting Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry will not be acceptable to the protesting students and demanded that he be sent out of the government.

"We have come to know that there is talk within the government to move Pradhan to some other ministry. This will not be acceptable. Students are clear that Pradhan will have to go out of the government," Rahul Gandhi said.

Addressing media in New Delhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared his three demands including resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi refused the idea of allocating some other ministry to Pradhan and said that he should be "sacked."

Gandhi also called PM Modi to apologise to students and punish those responsible for brutality against protesters.

Sharing a picture of police personnel standing inside a hospital, Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, claimed that police are everywhere at both government-run Safdarjung Hospital and private facility, Medanta.

Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar on July 18 and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. In a statement Delhi Police said that it has acted in accordance with the orders of the High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk. "Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care," Police statement said. 

After Angmo appealed in court, Wangchuk was moved to Medanta Hospital on Wednesday.

"At both Safdarjung and now Medanta, police are everywhere. At the main gate. The reception. The lifts. Outside Wangchuk's ICU. They decide who may or may not meet him. If the Court has clarified that he is not under detention, then under what authority is this happening?" Angmo questioned in a social media post.

"In an enlightened democracy, is the role of the police to protect citizens and uphold the law, or to control citizens on behalf of those in power? These are questions every Indian should be asking."

At both Safdarjung and now Medanta, police are everywhere. At the main gate. The reception. The lifts. Outside @Wangchuk66’s ICU. They decide who may or may not meet him.
If the Court has clarified that he is not under detention, then under what authority is this happening?
In an… pic.twitter.com/CmZNYqWTHN

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 25, 2026

Delhi Police to hold press conference regarding the protest at Jantar Mantar at 1 pm today.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that it has no information or anything to share on the alleged foreign funding link and participation to the current protests over NEET paper leak in New Delhi and other parts of the country.

Responding to a question on foreign funding and involvement in the ongoing protests in the capital during press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: "I have no information to share on this matter."

WATCH || Replying to a question on foreign funding and involvement in the ongoing protests in Delhi, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “I have no information to share on this matter.”
WATCH Full Press Briefing here🟥 https://t.co/s62VKEXoFl@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/ZZuyE11qv5

— DD India (@DDIndialive) July 24, 2026

"Have been diagnosed with typhoid, but the fight will go on until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," Abhijeet Dipke, founder of satirical political group, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), wrote in a social media post.

Have been diagnosed with typhoid, but the fight will go on until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns! pic.twitter.com/8iHSZdF6K7

— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) July 25, 2026

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has fact-checked AI-generated video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatening students and warning them of dire consequences.

The Fact Check Unit of the PIB has clarified that the video is fake and AI-generated.

It added that the videos are being circulated by Pakistani propaganda networks to spread misinformation.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
If it’s a no from the government, there’s no point of further discussion.

— Ashutosh Ranka (@AshutoshRanka) July 25, 2026

The government and the satirical political group, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), will hold third round of talks today amid continued protests.

The CJP says only demand is Union Education Minister Sonam Wangchuk's resignation. 

The protest remained peaceful Friday night, with no reports of violence or any major untoward incident. The turnout was higher than the previous night. Security arrangements on Sansad Marg were further tightened, with additional barricades installed and existing barricading reinforced as a precautionary measure.

Liquor shops in Delhi have been ordered to close by 8 pm until the weekend is over, in view of the student protests, sources said on Friday.

Liquor shops in the city shut at 10 pm otherwise.

"The shops will now close by 8 pm till the weekend. The decision was taken based on the police inputs flagging the prevailing situation due to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar," a senior Delhi government officer said.

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day long fast on Thursday night in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

"Since this morning, many people have been calling me or showing me posts, saying that many questions are being raised against you. Why did you break your fast only through them, through Union Ministers? Why didn't you break it through someone else? What deal has happened, what bargain has happened?" Wangchuk said.

"Will I now have to get a character certificate from anyone regarding how pure my fast was?" he shot back. The activist rubbished insinuation of a backdoor political bargaining, and pointed out what he called the sheer absurdity of enduring nearly a month of starvation just to strike a deal with the government.

"If a bargain had to be made, if a deal had to be made, would someone have to stay hungry for 26 days? You must have seen how many others have made deals - do they make deals like this? Could I not have sat in a luxurious air-conditioned room to strike a deal or bargain, rather than having to make a deal by sitting outside on the roadside in Delhi's heat?"

In the video recorded from his hospital bed, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day fast on Thursday, shared the consequences of his long hunger strike and also commented on the backlash.

"Friends, I am making this video with a bit of sadness, a bit of surprise, and a mixture of grief and anger,"  noticeably frail Wangchuk said. "Physically fighting, quarreling, carrying out another strike within a strike, lying down on the ground - using whatever strength I had left in me on the 20th or 22nd day, I had to forcefully push my way out," he added.

Wangchuk said the effect on his body has been catastrophic. "Muscles are gone, and irreversible damage to my organs and brain has reached almost the verge of happening," the activist said, adding he lost 11 kg during this period.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has shared a video message on Instagram late last night addressed to both his supporters and critics after he ended his 26-day fast in support of the protest led by the satirical political group, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

He threw a counter-question after some people asked why he ended his fast.

"After 26 days of hunger, do I need to prove my sincerity?" Wangchuk said, and asked people to watch the full 22-minute-long video on his YouTube channel.

In the video recorded from his hospital bed, Wangchuk, noticeably frail, shared the consequences of his long fast and also commented on the backlash.

"Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months," PM Narendra Modi said

Below are the metro stations closed from 7.30 am on Saturday until further notice:

1. Lok Kalyan Marg

2. Rajiv Chowk

3. Patel Chowk

4. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg

5. Barakhambha Road

6. Supreme Court

7. Seva Teerth

8. Janpath

9. Mandi House

10. Central Secretariat

11. ITO

12. Delhi Gate

13. Indraprastha

14. Khan Market

15. Jor Bagh

16. Shivaji Stadium

17. Jhandewalan

18. New Delhi 

Service Update
Below mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM tomorrow (25th July, 2026) till further instructions. However, Interchange facility shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
1. Lok Kalyan Marg
2. Rajiv Chowk
3.…

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) July 24, 2026

Before you rush to criticise @Wangchuk66, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself.
He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort. The least we can offer him is a day of…

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 24, 2026

Delhi Police on Friday dismissed as "false, baseless and misleading" social media claims that food delivery app services has been banned across the New Delhi area.

The advisory comes in view of ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protests in Delhi. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in key parts of the capital to maintain public order.

Pakistani propaganda accounts on social media have been spotted regularly spreading disinformation about events in India.

🚨 FAKE NEWS ALERT 🚨
Rumours are circulating on social media claiming that Delhi Police has imposed a ban on food delivery app services across the New Delhi area.
This claim is completely false, baseless, and misleading. Delhi Police has not imposed any ban on food delivery…

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) July 24, 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will be completely overhauled over the next month in a big move by the government following mass protests over exam paper leaks, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

At least 47 people have been removed from the testing body. Action will also be taken against some of them, sources said, without giving details about their roles or designations.

One of the key changes includes tweaking the NTA's outsourcing methods in order to ensure a leak-proof system, sources said a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced major steps such as fast-track courts to try paper leak cases.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said many students "took advantage" of paper leaks and "improved their performance".

Answering questions on Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest over the paper leaks, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to the situation and ensured those who "violated the sacredness" of examinations will face swift justice.

In 2017, 16 candidates were competing for every MBBS seat. The ratio rose to 18 in both 2018 and 2019, before easing slightly during the pandemic period.

The Delhi Police on Friday issued a written apology after a video showing lawyers alleging they were manhandled at Lodhi Colony Police Station while trying to assist detained student protesters went viral on social media.

In a written statement released on Friday, Head Constable Vikrant offered an unconditional apology to a group of lawyers who had reached the police station on Thursday evening to represent three students detained by police over the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest. 

The written apology, accessed by NDTV, states: "I, Head Constable Vikrant, hereby express my unconditional and heartfelt apology for my misbehaviour and inappropriate conduct toward the advocates during the incident that occurred on July 23 at Lodhi Colony Police Station."

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant today explained the context behind the Supreme Court's remark to petitioners not to "waste" the top court's time, when they asked for an urgent listing of a petition on Wednesday challenging alleged police action against protesting students in Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

"It was reported wrongly that the Supreme Court declined to hear the petition. The Supreme Court can never deny hearing of any case. It's my commitment we are available 24 hours," Chief Justice Kant told NDTV.

The government plans an overhaul of the National Testing Agency that conducts NEET, said sources. 

The Delhi Police have deployed Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras at Jantar Mantar, the Cockroach Janta Party's protest site in the national capital, sources said.

The action has been taken to prevent anti-social and criminal elements from pervading the protest, where thousands of people are protesting, seeking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET paper leaks.

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a probe by the NIA or any "specialised agency" into the Cockroach Janta Party-led march to Parliament on July 20 to protest against the NEET-UG paper leak and other related issues.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said the alleged incidents of vandalism were given the knowledge and notice of the authorities, who would take action according to the law.

The bench also said it was for the Centre to refer any case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation, and not the court.

In view of the court's observations, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked the petitioner's counsel to consider withdrawing the PIL, following which the petitioner requested the bench to withdraw the same.

"The PIL is dismissed as withdrawn," the court ordered.

- PTI

The Narendra Modi-led NDA government is firm that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is not on the cards, top government sources have told NDTV even as the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, insists that the Minister's resignation is a must for it to call off protests.

The student protesters, led the the CJP, have been demanding the 57-year-old Minister's resignation over the NEET paper leak.

The sources say the government feels "resignation is the easiest decision to take", dropping big hints that it stands with the Minister. 

"People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver," the government source told NDTV.

The Bombay High Court has established two special fast-track courts in Aurangabad and Nagpur to handle cases related to the NEET examination paper leak and similar offences.

The move has been taken in line with the central government's directions and the priority framework laid down for jurisdictions under four High Courts: Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, and Madhya Pradesh.

"Government must stop lying," said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, addressing the media with a pellet gun victim standing by his side.

Gandhi on Friday upped the ante against the Modi government over the alleged use of pellet guns by security personnel against student protesters on July 20 in Delhi during a protest march. 

While the police and government have categorically denied that pellet guns were fired during the police action, a number of injured protesters have now come forward with medically confirmed pellet wounds on their bodies.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign or be sacked, the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, said today after Round 2 of talks with the Centre, adding that the student protests will continue.

The Centre has sought time till Saturday afternoon over the resignation demand, the CJP said after the meeting at the Constitution Club Of India Friday afternoon.

Eighteen metro stations were closed in Delhi on Friday, amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest near Jantar Mantar here, the DMRC said.

While 17 stations were closed at 7.30 am, the 18th, New Delhi, was closed hours later.

Besides New Delhi, Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium and Jhandewalan stations have been closed.

This is the fourth consecutive day when multiple metro stations have remained closed in Delhi.

- PTI

After meeting members of CJP, Union Minister JP Nadda said that the meeting was held for nearly two hours. 

".They had 3 main demands and 5 reform suggestions for exams. We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow afternoon and tell them about the discussion we had among the government," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: After meeting with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Union Minister JP Nadda says, "...The meeting went on for almost 2 hours...They had 3 main demands and 5 reform suggestions for exams. We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow afternoon and tell them… pic.twitter.com/t8u2YkBHQ8

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026

Members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who concluded their talks with the Centre, said that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is "non-negotiable".

Shortly after the talks between the members of CJP and Centre concluded, the CJP said that government has sought time till tomorrow afternoon to consider their demands.

CJP's Saurav Das listed their three conditions that they demanded from the government - 

1. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign

2. Rs 1 crore for NEET suicide victims

3. No FIRs against protesters

The Cabinet has approved the Paper Leak Amendment Bill during the key meeting.

The talks between members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the Centre have concluded.

The talks between the CJP and Centre have begun at the Vithalbhai Patel House in Delhi.

Listing out likely changes, sources said that a provision for setting up fast-track courts to try paper leak cases may be added to the law.

The fast-track courts would be mandated to dispose off a matter and announce punishment within three months.

Sources further said that amendments are also likely to increase both the jail term and monetary penalties for those involved in paper leaks.

Those involved in paper leaks would face punishment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

Currently, individuals face 3 to 5 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh if convicted in a paper leak case.

Service providers who do not report a possible offence can be fined up to Rs 1 crore under the current law. In cases of organised crime, the punishment is 5 to 10 years' imprisonment with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

Following Cabinet approval, the Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. READ MORE

The Cabinet meeting on NEET paper leak issue is currently underway.

🔴#BREAKING | Key Cabinet meet on paper leaks begin
NDTV's @Vasudha156 joins @PadmajaJoshi and @VedikaS with more details pic.twitter.com/0RGolrXQpD

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 24, 2026

Nothing short of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation will do, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke underlined for the umpteenth time on Friday ahead of the talks with Centre.

"If the government wants a solution to the protest, it is only the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan,"Dipke, the 30-year-old  leader, said.

"Hum manenge nahi na. Isteefe se kam kuch manjoor hi nahi hai (We won't back down, you know. Nothing short of a resignation is acceptable)," Dipke doubled down on his demand. READ MORE HERE

While Delhi Police has denied the use of pellet guns against student demonstrators during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest, a government hospital has confirmed that a 28-year-old, who was marching with the protesters on the day, endured "pellet wounds" on his right elbow and back.

The march was part of the ongoing agitation for the demand of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak. The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, spearheading the protests, accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters to prevent them from reaching Parliament.

The patient's case sheet at Safdarjung Hospital details his injuries: "darkened skin around wounds, pellet shards stuck to skin and tenderness on impact sites".

Service Update
New Delhi metro station has been closed till further instructions. No interchange facility shall be available at this station.
Any inconvenience is deeply regretted.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) July 24, 2026

Members of CJP and union ministers are holding talks at Constitution Club of India.

Amid ongoing student protests over the NEET paper leaks issue, the central government is planning to further tighten the existing laws against paper leaks and cheating.

A day after the Prime Minister's late-night video message promising more action, sources have told NDTV that the government is planning amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to give it more teeth.

According to sources, the Cabinet meeting slated for Friday afternoon is likely to approve the proposed amendments.

Listing out likely changes, sources said that a provision for setting up fast-track courts to try paper leak cases may be added to the law.

The leaves of all Delhi police officers have been cancelled until further notice amid the ongoing protests.

Leaves will only be granted in case of emergency, officials said.

There are around 85,000 police personnel in the Capital.

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear a petition today against the internet shutdown around the Capital's Jantar Mantar - where CJP and students are protesting.

The court will begin hearing around 2:30 pm today.

The members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will hold talks with the government at the Constitution Club of India today. 

#WATCH | Delhi: Saurav Das, Chief Spokesperson, Cockroach Janta Party, says, "... Tomorrow, a discussion has been called for, we are very happy that the government has agreed to our request that it be at a neutral venue. The Constitution Club of India has been chosen..." pic.twitter.com/OOBnq8bqb7

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026

Along with a cup of soup, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh also offered activist Sonam Wangchuk a list of the government's assurances that convinced him to break his 26-day-long hunger strike.

A video released by Sonam Wangchuk himself after ending his hunger strike showed JP Nadda reading out the government's assurances while standing by Wangchuk's hospital bed.

Sonam Wangchuk had made very specific demands of the government over the last few days - a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament, an assurance of no legal action against protesting students, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide in the aftermath of the NEET paper leak.

The members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will hold a press conference today at 11 AM.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who met activist Sonam Wangchuk at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital while he was breaking his fast, said that the Centre has assured a "constructive dialogue".

"Along with Union Minister for Health Sh @JPNadda Ji, met Shri Sonam Wangchuk Ji at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, and held a detailed discussion on students' concerns. Assured a constructive dialogue and positive intervention from the Government, following which Sonam Ji decided to end his fast, he wrote in a post on X.

He added, "Under the leadership of PM Sh @narendramodi Ji, the government remains committed to ensuring justice for students and strict action against anyone who tries to compromise their future."

Along with Union Minister for Health Sh @JPNadda Ji, met Shri Sonam Wangchuk Ji at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, and held a detailed discussion on students’ concerns. Assured a constructive dialogue and positive intervention from the Government, following which Sonam Ji decided to… pic.twitter.com/R8HQxKqfSG

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) July 24, 2026

After more than three weeks without any food, activist Sonam Wangchuk finally ended his hunger strike at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital while being surrounded by union ministers, supporters, medical staff, and family. Wangchuk sat up on his hospital bed and took his first sip from a cup - that was not water - in 26 days after Union Minister JP Nadda read out the government's assurances.

"Hunger tastes better", Wangchuk said in his first words as he took a sip of soup after breaking his fast.

#Watch | "Hunger tastes better" : Activist Sonam Wangchuk as he sips soup to end 26-day fast pic.twitter.com/5oFGu23X7K

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 24, 2026

Hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged him to follow medical advice and regain his health.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors' advice in his daily routine and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty for his good health."

मैं सोनम जी से आग्रह करता हूँ की वो डॉक्टरों की सलाह के अनुसार अपनी दिनचर्या रखें और जल्द से जल्द अपना पुराना वज़न फिर से प्राप्त करें।
मैं प्रभु से प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि सोनम जी स्वस्थ रहें।@Wangchuk66 @GitanjaliAngmo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026

 Seventeen metro stations in central Delhi will remain closed on Friday, marking the third consecutive day of closure, in the wake of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said late on Thursday that the stations will remain closed from 7.30 am on Friday until further instructions, citing security reasons.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day-long fast last night, said that while it is the end of hunger - it is the beginning of accountability. LIVE UPDATES

Wangchuk, in a video message, said that he received assurances from the government after nearly two days of "bargaining".

"Finally we got it from the government," he said.

The three assurances include: The issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed in the Parliament; families of those who died by suicide in the recent NEET examination paper leak will be given adequate compensation; and there would be no cases registered against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those participating in the march to the Parliament on July 20.

The video also included a clip of the activist ending his hunger strike, with visuals showing Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh helping Wangchuk to take a sip from a cup. "I'm grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you," Wangchuk said while holding the hands of Nadda and Singh.

We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days.
Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this…

— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) July 23, 2026

Just now in the presence of Union Ministers Sh. JP Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier 65 members of parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break… pic.twitter.com/RFCet7Oksy

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 23, 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike after 26 days in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Visuals showed Wangchuk sipping from a cup, with help from the ministers. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, is also seen in the clip.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video statement on Thursday night promised more action would follow on Friday in paper leak cases, amid protest in Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the satirical political group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). PM Modi's post on X came after the Delhi High Court announced a fast-track court to hear such cases.

The late night video statement was the second post by PM Modi on the issue in a single day.

"Friends, I know that paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months," PM Modi said.

A delegation from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is set to meet with government ministers on Friday to discuss the ongoing impasse over competitive exam irregularities, as per government sources. 

The high-stakes meeting is scheduled to take place at 12:30 pm, though the official venue for the talks has not yet been disclosed.

The Delhi High Court has officially designated a judge for a fast-track court specifically tasked with handling examination paper leak cases. 

This comes hours after the Prime Minister announced that the government would set up specialised fast-track courts to ensure stringent and rapid punishment for those involved in compromising the future of the nation's youth.

In a major administrative shakeup amid intense student protests at Jantar Mantar, the Centre has removed Education Secretary Vineet Joshi from his post. Senior bureaucrat Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed as the new Education Secretary.

“Peace & only peace is my way. While at Jantar Mantar, the protests remain peaceful, I’m pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence,” Sonam Wangchuk said in a post on X.

He added, “No matter what the other side does, our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs.”

A day after backing the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest over paper leaks, actor Salman Khan has urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. He has also offered to send home-cooked meals to Wangchuk and requested other protesting students to return home, pointing out that the prime minister has assured action over the leaks.

"Sonam, it's done, bro. Don't extend this. Keep the spirit for another day if there is a need, which I doubt, and eat something. If you want, I will send you food from home," Khan said in an online post.

The Opposition's protests have intensified in the heart of Delhi over exam paper leaks. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress and INDIA bloc MPs have reached the Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg to remember the students who had lost their lives after the NEET paper leak and were injured during protests.

Clad in his iconic white t-shirt and holding the national flag and the Constitution, he held a vigil at the Gandhi Smriti, as other MPs turned on their mobile flashlights as a symbolic candle vigil. 

Mobile internet has been suspended within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar till midnight, as student protests continue to rage in the Capital. Jantar Mantar is the protest site of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Section 163 has also been imposed outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence, with police issuing warnings in the area.

The standoff has also affected business in the capital. All shops and restaurants in Connaught Place were shut after 6.30 PM today, following an advisory from the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) in view of the current situation.

Mobile internet services suspended in a 1.5 km radius of Jantar Mantar from 4 pm to 12 midnight.

Watching India's Gen Z over the past few days has filled me with hope.
They have looked after strangers like family, shared food and water, cleaned and swept their own protest sites, cared for the elderly, sung Jana Gana Mana and songs of hope together, stayed disciplined under…

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 23, 2026

Security forces briefly blocked the path of the bus carrying Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders. However, the route has now been cleared, allowing the alliance MPs to resume their journey toward Gandhi Smriti on 30 January Marg for their planned protest.

Following the conclusion of the opposition meeting at Rahul Gandhi's residence, leaders and MPs have begun exiting the venue. 

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said, "Right now, MPs and leaders of the INDIA alliance are peacefully heading to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg. We go to remember the students we lost - the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak. And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today - beaten for peacefully demanding justice and accountability. India’s students are not alone. The entire Opposition stands with them and their demands."

“Yesterday, they cut off the internet. Today, they are shutting all shops around the protest. Is this how the national capital of the ‘mother of democracy’ reacts to a protest? Mr Modi is turning Delhi into a war zone. Numerous CRPF battalions are deployed; Delhi Police is still threatening students, repeated tear gas shelling and violence; and the Police is given powers of preventive detention under the NSA (as if the peaceful protesters are terrorists?!) What exactly is planned, for which all these arrangements are being made?” Congress Leader KC Venugopal said on X.

Security has been significantly intensified across the national capital ahead of the opposition's planned demonstration. A bus carrying Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel has arrived outside the residence of Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, where a meeting of opposition MPs is currently taking place.

Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi on Thursday expressed concern over the ongoing student protests in New Delhi, calling the anxieties and concerns of the young protestors regarding the examination system "genuine."

He said it was painful to see young students, including women, face the use of force, warning that such measures risk alienating large sections of society from the national goal of "Viksit Bharat."

It is painful to see young students from different parts of the country assembled for days on the streets of New Delhi. Their anxieties and concerns regarding the examination system are genuine and must be handled with empathy and a desire to find a lasting solution. I fervently…

— Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi (@DrMurliManohar_) July 23, 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, remains stable and alert. According to an official statement from the hospital, a multidisciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his health.

Medical authorities confirmed that his condition is unchanged and his vital signs are well within accepted parameters. The hospital further emphasized that all ongoing treatments are being administered in strict accordance with his informed consent.

Leaders from the INDIA alliance, including MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Left parties, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have arrived at Rahul Gandhi's residence to join Congress MPs.

Three buses are currently stationed outside the residence to transport the MPs. Following the meeting, the opposition MPs are likely to march together toward Rajghat for a candlelight march.

#WATCH | Delhi: At Jantar Mantar, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says, "I believe the entire country is facing its biggest test since 1947, and the youth have joined in. Cows are safer in our country today, not children. Our judiciary says it doesn't have time. If these people don't… pic.twitter.com/s0tTPReNl2

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Rajghat this evening alongside party MPs to hold a candlelight march, intensifying his demonstration against the alleged use of force on protesting students. This upcoming march follows his sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence just two days ago.

CJP called for a nationwide protest on Friday in a post on X.

‼️Nationwide Call For Peaceful Protest‼️ pic.twitter.com/D2jte841z2

— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 23, 2026

Congress Lok Sabha MPs have been called to Rahul Gandhi's residence (5, Sunehri Bagh Road) at 6 pm this evening.

All the shops and restaurants in Connaught Place will remain closed after 6.30 PM today. New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has issued an advisory keeping the current situation in mind.

When she stood in front of that police van, Rhiya Ahir became the most defining image of the ongoing protest. 

That one act transformed a 27-year-old model into a role model for a generation.

Rhiya Ahir was on Wednesday seen blocking a police van in Mumbai that was carrying a group of detained students during demonstrations demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.

She refused to move and her defiance led to the release of the detained protesters at Shivaji Park in Mumbai's Dadar area.

"I had gone to join the protest and was waiting for my friends. I could hear the exhilarating slogans at the protest site some distance away. I was moved," she told NDTV.

Click here to read more

Actor Alia Bhatt has joined the growing list of celebrities backing the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi. In a post on Instagram, she praised their courage and determination in demanding a fair and transparent education system.

She shed light on the protest movement and the resilience shown by the students leading it.

"The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope," she said.

She added, "Behind every student standing their ground is a dream, a family's hope, a journey of countless sacrifices. They represent not just themselves but everyone who has supported them, while creating a better path for those who will come after them."

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has said it was "deeply painful" to see students being portrayed negatively and questioned why it was "easier to question their intentions than to hear their concerns", amid allegations of violence during the CJP 'Sansad Chalo' march.

In a post on X, Angmo appealed against linking the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar to incidents of violence elsewhere in Delhi without evidence, saying the movement had remained peaceful.

"As an educator, I find it deeply painful to watch the image of our students being tarnished on media," she posted on X.

"The students' protest is taking place peacefully at Jantar Mantar. If there are reports of violence elsewhere in Delhi, please do not rush to attribute them to this movement without evidence," she said.

Angmo credited the protesters with having "extraordinary patience, discipline and restraint", and stressed that the need is to listen to their concerns.

"I often wonder: what kind of system is so quick to distrust its own students? Why is it easier to question their intentions than to hear their concerns?" Angmo said.

"Our children deserve to be protected, not portrayed as villains. Their voices deserve to be heard, not drowned out by narratives that serve vested interests," she said.

Video posted by Mumbai Congress shows a policeman threatening a group of students with a false drug case if they turn up at the protests again.

The DMRC has also shut the Jhandewalan metro station "till further instructions," making it the 17th station to be shut today.

Service Update
Jhandewalan metro station has been closed till further instructions.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) July 23, 2026

Mumbai police use digital tracking and home visits to prevent repeat participation in student protests.

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear on Friday a public interest litigation seeking a probe into the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar. 

The counsel for the petitioner mentioned the PIL before a bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia and requested that the case be listed on Friday.

"This is against the so-called student agitation. They have made the entire Delhi hostage. Roads have been blocked. Citizens of Delhi are suffering," lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha submitted.

"Alright. Tomorrow," Chief Justice Upadhyaya said.

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has spoken on the CJP protests, explaining why the current issue concerns not just students, but everyone in the country.

"I have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them. The measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people," he wrote on X.

"An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation's greatest strengths. I hope we can all unite and work together to continually strengthen our education system, so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come," Bindra added.

I have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them.
The measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for…

— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 23, 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has taken note of the plea that several metro stations have been closed in Delhi, making it difficult for lawyers and litigants to come to court, and said he will intervene if the matter is not resolved by lunchtime.

Prohibitory orders have come into effect across Mumbai until August 6, restricting the movement and unlawful assembly of five or more persons in view of recent demonstrations held in parts of the city in support of the CJP movement at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

The police have registered eight FIRs against nearly 900 persons for participating in demonstrations organised in solidarity with the CJP campaign over the NEET paper leak issue.

Fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday night, with the police resorting to a cane charge and firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Police said at least six personnel, including two ACP-rank officers, were injured in the violence.

Videos from the protest site released by the police showed chaotic scenes, with protesters allegedly pelting stones and clashing with police personnel. Internet jammers were later activated in the area amid heightened security arrangements.

🔴#BREAKING | Altercation between protesters and Delhi police last night at Jantar Mantar; Delhi police alleges violence on personnel
NDTV's @anushkagarg2000 joins @ParmeshwarBawa with more details pic.twitter.com/mvTWzgANl7

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 23, 2026

The woman was seen standing in front of a police van and refusing to move during student protests in Mumbai.

Sandeep Lamba, an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, was seen slapping a female CJP protester on July 20.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has responded to PM Modi's remarks that the welfare and interest of the country's youth are the top priority of the government and anyone trying to harm their future will not be spared.

"You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system - and protected every person responsible for it," Gandhi, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, wrote on X.

"The students’ demands are clear: 1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan. 2. Apologise to the students. 3. Take action against those who assaulted them," he added.

You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.
You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system - and protected every person responsible for it.
The students’ demands are clear:
1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to… https://t.co/0MK4wPMNiK

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has backed the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in .

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, he praised the students for participating in the protest "peacefully" and called them "courageous and brave".

Sharing an old grainy picture of himself from his school days, the 60-year-old actor said "paper leak is a very serious issue".

In his post, Khan wrote, "Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the central government has decided to set up fast-track courts to "ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks". 

"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," he posted on X this morning.

"Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," he added.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he would end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre assures him that no force would be used against the protesting students and no FIRs or other punitive action would be taken against them.

In a video message from Gurugram's Medanta Hospital on Wednesday, Wangchuk asserted that even though he has lost around 11 kg during the fast, he wants to return to his work.

"I am still alive. This is the 25th day of my fast. I have lost around 11 kg of weight. I have lost muscles. But I am alright," he said.

"I want to start my work, but I request the government not to use force again on students and do not file any charges or FIRs. I need an assurance for that. If I get that assurance, I will break my fast today. If no assurance comes, I will be forced to continue it," he said.

Wangchuk said he has decided to continue his fast after the police action on protesters during Monday's "Chalo Sansad" march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

"Because the attack was brutal, I decided to continue my fast. I want to appreciate all the students who received batons but did not attack, even though they were provoked and people were brought to do stone pelting," he said.

He said several political leaders, including Union ministers and 65 MPs, have urged him to end his fast.

ABHI BHI ZINDA HUN.... DAY 25 pic.twitter.com/SnwKXMfvOO

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 22, 2026

"I want a better future," said 13-year-old Umasa of Delhi's Daryaganj, who was participating in the Coackroach Janta Party's protest at Jantar Mantar. She arrived at the site with her father, Salim, and friend Rahisa, holding the Indian tricolour, and joined thousands of young people seeking accountability from the government over question paper leaks.

Asked why she came to protest, Umasa said: "I have come here for a better future".

Referring to paper leaks, she told NDTV that she doesn't want to face the uncertainty that aspirants of entrance exams whose papers leaked faced.

Sixteen Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO and Khan Market, were closed this morning till further instructions due to security reasons, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said.

"Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh and Shivaji Stadium metro stations have been closed till further instructions," the DMRC said in a post on X.

However, the interchange facility will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations.

Service Update
Below mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM till further instructions. However, Interchange facility shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
1. Lok Kalyan Marg
2. Rajiv Chowk
3. Patel Chowk
4. Ramakrishna…

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) July 23, 2026

The development comes as the crowd swelled at the ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar.

The protesters are demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG 2026, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Thursday.