CJP says protest to continue, asks Centre to hold talks at Jantar Mantar

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday said its protest over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations would continue until the Centre accepts its key demands, with party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka asserting that the government would now have to come to the protest site if it wanted further dialogue."If the government wants to talk, they will now have to come here," Ranka told reporters, a day after he and fellow CJP representative Sourav Das met Union Minister and BJP president J.P. Nadda to submit the protesters' demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Ranka said no assurance had been given by the government beyond Nadda's commitment to raise the matter at the "appropriate level."

VIDEO | Delhi: "JP Nadda told us that he would speak to the senior leadership and get back to us, but we have received no response so far," says CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.

CJP asks the police or the government to come to Jantar Mantar if they want to initiate talks.… pic.twitter.com/oLzVU3zwbn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 20, 2026

The protests, which began over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and broader concerns regarding the examination system, intensified after police action during Monday's "Sansad Chalo" march in Delhi. Several protesters were injured after police used tear gas and lathicharge to prevent demonstrators from marching towards Parliament.The protest site at Jantar Mantar, which had been dismantled during the police action, was reclaimed by demonstrators on Tuesday as they vowed to continue their agitation.
Acccording to agnecy reports,Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad criticised the police action, saying the government could not suppress students' demands through force."The government can't crush students' demands with lathicharge. Their concerns must be heard and resolved. Peaceful protest is a part of democracy," Azad said.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also attacked the Centre, urging Prime Minister **Narendra Modi** to apologise to the protesting students."PM Modi should apologise to the students and stop this nonsense. This is no way to treat young people. The education and testing system has been hollowed out, and the Prime Minister should not remain silent," Gandhi said.

VIDEO | Parliament Monsoon Session: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Why is the Prime Minister silent? What is the reason? He should apologise to the students and stop this nonsense of police personnel thrashing students. This is completely wrong. This is no way to treat the young… pic.twitter.com/ENAUUx3dVD

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026

Meanwhile, Union Minister J.P. Nadda visited Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to meet those injured during Monday's police action.Breaking his silence on the controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the NEET paper leak as a "ghor paap" (grave sin) while addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting. According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister said the government had acted swiftly after the paper leak surfaced, with 13 accused arrested and jailed. He also noted that a re-examination had been conducted and the results declared on time to safeguard students' interests.The Prime Minister also urged NDA partners to remain united during the Parliament session and appealed to opposition parties to cooperate on legislative business despite political differences.

STORY | Strong action taken to ensure no one plays with future of youth: PM to NDA MPs on NEET paper leak issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that strong action was taken against those involved in the NEET paper leaks so that no one plays with the future of… pic.twitter.com/jDRWnkjdVE

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026

The CJP, formed earlier this year following remarks made during a Supreme Court hearing, has emerged as the face of protests demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities. Protesters continue to seek the removal of the Education Minister, reforms in the examination system and action against those responsible for the NEET paper leak.Separately, activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike until youth representatives are allowed to meet parliamentarians or he is permitted to do so from the hospital, expressing solidarity with the protesting students.