On Going CJP Protest (Img: Pintrest)
New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk reacted to the criticism of his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike with Union Ministers in the presence, asking why he needed a "character certificate" for his commitment to the students' movement. His remarks came even as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a second round of talks with the Centre, which has reportedly given written assurances on some of the protesters' key demands.
After 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.
A delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) comprising their leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who met two Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, on Friday (July 24, 2026), reiterated their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that it is “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 the services of up to 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA).
CJP protest updates today: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that certain metro stations will remain closed from 7:30 am today, July 25, 2026, until further instructions. However, interchange facilities will continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, as per DMRC.
Here is the list-
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
DMRC also said that train services on the Airport Express Line will only run between Dhaula Kuan and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- ₹1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
- No prosecution of peaceful protesters.
- Prosecution of police officials allegedly involved in excesses against protesters.
Five Delhi Police personnel, including Special Commissioner Anil Shukla and two ACPs, were injured in stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar this afternoon. An inspector suffered a head injury and was left bleeding.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday threw his weight behind the student protesters, saying their three key demands were "not negotiable" and insisting that Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan must be removed from office.
"The first demand is that the Education Minister, who is corrupt, incompetent, and misaligned, has to be sacked," Gandhi said.
Referring to speculation that Pradhan could be shifted to another ministry, Gandhi said such a move would not be acceptable. "There's some talk going on in Mr. Modi's cabinet that the solution is to move Dharmendra Pradhan from education to some other ministry. This is not acceptable to the students of India. It is not acceptable to anybody," he said.
Calling Pradhan "a symbol of corruption" and the alleged failure of the education system, Gandhi added, "Dharmendra Pradhan has to be sacked."
CJP protest updates today: Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghosh on Saturday criticised the Centre over the security arrangements around the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar, alleging that the government was trying to suppress the student-led agitation.
In a post on X, Ghosh wrote, "The 76 year old @narendramodi sits in his palace making unwatchable Insta reels to try and somehow compete with Gen Z, while his government 1) shuts down 18 metro stations, 2) shuts down all roads to Central Delhi, 3) puts in internet jammers, 4) stops food supply to children in Jantar Mantar, 5) gets Hindutva leaders to start abusing the kids, 6) brings in massive security forces to frisk, block and shove ordinary citizens. FAILED @narendramodi government."
Ahead of the next round of talks with the Centre, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party expects written confirmation on compensation for affected families and assurances against legal action on protesters.
"We expect to receive a written agreement today on the issues of compensation and legal action. We also expect a response to the core demand of this movement, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan," Ranka said.
CJP protest updates today: A Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said they have been diagnosed with typhoid but asserted that the agitation would continue until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
"Have been diagnosed with typhoid, but the fight will go on until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns!" the leader said in a statement.
Officials have confirmed that the video shared by Sonam Wangchuk on Friday night, showing him arguing with authorities, was recorded at Safdarjung Hospital on July 21.
"This is from July 21, the day when the court informed Sonam's family that he can be moved to Medanta Hospital," an official said.
According to the official, Wangchuk was trying to leave for Medanta Hospital but was stopped because authorities were awaiting the formal court order. "He was trying to leave for Medanta Hospital, but was not allowed, as we were waiting for the court orders to come to us first and hence we were stopping him," the official said.
CJP protest updates today: Ahead of the third round of talks with the Centre, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the meeting is scheduled between 3.30 pm and 4 pm, though the venue is yet to be finalised.
Ranka said the party expects written confirmation on the two demands that have already received in-principle approval. "We should get written confirmation for the two demands on which there has been in-principle agreement, so that they can be closed," he said, reported ANI.
He added that the CJP also wants a clear answer on its key demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. "We need clarity over Dharmendra Pradhan – whether they will seek his resignation or not. We want an answer in Yes or No because there is not much scope for deliberation over this," Ranka said.
Addressing supporters from the main stage at Jantar Mantar, CJP leaders thanked protesters for their support and declared that the agitation would continue despite Sonam Wangchuk ending his 26-day indefinite hunger strike.
"By risking his own life, Sonam sir has awakened an entire nation, and we are all grateful for what he has done for the country, but the protest at Jantar Mantar will continue. It is not a protest of one person or CJP alone; it has become a youth movement. We demand resignation of the education minister," CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said.
