The Cockroach Janta Party continued its protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 controversy as political parties intensified their campaign and the Centre agreed to a Parliament debate
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea against police action during the July 20 protest, while the Centre agreed to a discussion in Parliament. Congress leaders staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, and activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Medanta Hospital following a Delhi High Court order.
New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, with supporters gathering in large numbers as the agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak entered a new phase.
The party reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and warned that larger crowds would join the protest if its demands remained unaddressed.
CJP Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the protest would continue despite police action during the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20.
The party also demanded that no FIRs be registered against protesters who participated in the demonstration and sought legal protection for those already facing police cases.
"The movement will continue until our demands are addressed," CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said.
Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing
The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined a request for the urgent listing of a petition challenging police action against students during the July 20 protest march in Delhi.
While refusing the request, the Chief Justice of India said the court was not inclined to examine video footage submitted in support of the plea at this stage.
CRPF Deployment Strengthened in Delhi
Officials said 20 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were being airlifted from Kolkata to Delhi to strengthen security arrangements.
The deployment comes amid the ongoing CJP protests, demonstrations by political parties and the current Parliament session.
Government Agrees to Parliament Discussion
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha that the government was prepared to hold a discussion on the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak issue.
Meanwhile, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh visited activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order.
According to sources, the ministers appealed to Wangchuk to encourage students to maintain peace and informed him of the government's decision to initiate a debate in Parliament.
The Centre has expressed its willingness to discuss the NEET-UG 2026 issue in Parliament.
Congress Stages Protest Outside PM Residence
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition leaders staged a sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Police detained the leaders after removing them from the high-security zone. They were later released.
The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of escalating tensions despite the government's decision to hold a parliamentary discussion, while the Congress alleged that the Centre was suppressing dissent.
Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Medanta Hospital
Following permission granted by the Delhi High Court, Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for continued medical care.
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said Wangchuk would continue his indefinite hunger strike in support of students affected during the protests.
CJP Reiterates Key Demands
The CJP said its agitation is centred on three principal demands:
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Release of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
- ₹1 crore compensation for the families of every NEET-UG 2026 aspirant who allegedly died by suicide.
The party also announced legal assistance for detained protesters and confirmed organisational changes following internal disciplinary action against one of its spokespersons.
Political Debate Intensifies
The protest has triggered political exchanges between the BJP, Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
While the Congress intensified its campaign over the NEET issue, the AAP alleged that the party was attempting to overshadow the CJP-led movement. BJP leaders, meanwhile, criticised the Opposition's protest outside the Prime Minister's residence.
The protest at Jantar Mantar continued through the day as supporters gathered and CJP leaders reiterated that the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed.
