Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: CJP-govt talks to continue today amid Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation demand

People participate in a Tiranga protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and expressing solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar, in Mumbai, on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI A two-member delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which met two Union Ministers on Friday (July 24, 2026), reiterated their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that it was “non-negotiable”. They also sought a public apology to the protesting students who were “brutally thrashed” on July 20. In a meeting with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, the CJP also demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of those who committed suicide after the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on May 3, its spokesperson Saurav Das said. The two sides will meet again on Saturday (July 25, 2026)In a move to crack down on exam malpractices, the Centre has taken a slew of actions, including strengthening the anti-paper leak law and terminating services of up to 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA). Also read: Disabling BitChat in India? | ExplainedAfter being criticised by several social media users for ending his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers, activist Sonam Wangchuk released a long video message on Friday (July 24, 2026) where he asserted that he “did not cut any deal” with the government and ended the fast as he feared a crackdown against students and protestors at Jantar Mantar. Gitanjali J. Angmo described the students’ ongoing agitation in the backdrop of the NEET paper leak as a “very successful movement” that had put focus on education reforms and awakened the entire country. She expressed the hope that it would also serve as a “wake-up call” for the present regime.Follow LIVE for more updates July 25, 2026 07:18 Internet down, 18 metro stations shut, yet Jantar Mantar remains upbeatThousands of people continued to turn up at the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday (July 24), even as the restrictions around the authorities closed the entry and exit gates at 18 metro stations, two more than were closed the previous day. Internet services remained suspended at Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg and parts of central Delhi for the third consecutive day.The protest’s momentum appeared undimmed despite the restrictions.Read the story here,July 25, 2026 07:03 Did not cut any deal with government: Sonam WangchukAfter being criticised by several social media users for ending his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers, activist Sonam Wangchuk released a long video message on Friday (July 24, 2026) where he asserted that he “did not cut any deal” with the government and ended the fast as he feared a crackdown against students and protestors at Jantar Mantar. Read the story here,July 25, 2026 06:07 Fast-track courts for paper leak trials major step towards ensuring justice: Rekha Gupta Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said setting up fast-track courts for trial in paper leak cases would be a significant step towards ensuring justice to every hard-working student.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.In her first comment over the issue, Ms. Gupta said on X that protecting students’ interests and ensuring a bright future for the youth are the highest priorities of the government- PTIJuly 25, 2026 06:06 PM thanks people for responses, positive suggestions received for midnight video Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked everyone for the responses and positive suggestions received to his video, where he announced the government’s decision to bring a strict law to punish those involved in paper leaks.In the video message, PM Modi said that a new bill incorporating provisions for strong action against paper leaks will be introduced in the ongoing session of Parliament next week.The draft bill, as announced by the prime minister in the Instagram video shared by him in the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, was approved by the Union Cabinet on Friday.- PTI Published - July 25, 2026 07:02 am IST