NEET paper leak: CJP calls district-level protests across India

Rejects talks at ministers’ residences, seeks neutral venue

24/07/2026

NEW DELHI, July 23: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday called for nationwide peaceful protests on July 24 over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and urging students and other organisations to hold demonstrations across districts.
The announcement came as the CJP-led agitation at Jantar Mantar continued amid heightened security, traffic restrictions and closure of several Delhi Metro stations in the national capital.
Under the slogan "Every district. One day. One demand", the CJP asked student unions and other organisations to coordinate for permissions and logistical arrangements and read out the protesters' demands during demonstrations.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the resignation of the Education Minister remained the principal demand of the agitation and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept it.
"An incompetent and failed minister cannot be more important than the crores of students in this country," Dipke said, warning that the agitation could intensify if the demand was not accepted.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das also maintained that Pradhan's resignation was "non-negotiable" and said the protest would continue until the demand was met.
The CJP, meanwhile, again rejected the government's offer for talks at the residence or office of Union ministers and insisted that any dialogue should take place at Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue such as the Constitution Club of India.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh had offered to facilitate talks, while Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also invited CJP representatives for discussions. The protesters, however, maintained that they were willing to engage with the government only at a mutually acceptable neutral venue.
The government is also likely to facilitate a discussion on the NEET-UG paper leak issue amid the continuing protests. According to sources, the government has been reaching out to floor leaders and indicated that it was prepared for a discussion without preconditions such as demands for resignations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said the welfare of the country's youth was a top priority of his government and asserted that those attempting to jeopardise their future would not be spared.
He also announced the government's decision to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
The CJP, however, said the announcement did not address the question of accountability or its demand for the Education Minister's resignation.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the problem of paper leaks was serious and required an in-depth discussion and should not be politicised.
The protest at Jantar Mantar remained under heavy security on Thursday, with restrictions affecting several parts of central Delhi.
Entry gates at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat Metro stations were reopened in the evening after remaining closed for more than 14 hours. However, 13 other stations continued to remain shut due to security considerations.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had earlier closed 16 stations, including ITO and Khan Market. Interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat remained available even while their entry gates were shut.
Traffic restrictions and barricading also resulted in congestion around Connaught Place, ITO, Parliament Street and India Gate.
The CJP alleged that attempts were being made by outsiders to disrupt its agitation, while the BJP rejected allegations that its workers were involved in creating disturbances.
Delhi Police, meanwhile, was examining whether outsiders or habitual offenders had infiltrated the demonstrations and contributed to incidents of violence and damage to public property. Police have maintained that force during the earlier protest was used to enforce prohibitory orders and prevent demonstrators from marching towards Parliament, while denying allegations of excessive action.
The New Delhi Traders Association advised offices, shops and restaurants in Connaught Place to close by 6.30 pm on Thursday in view of the prevailing situation.
Several opposition leaders also expressed solidarity with the protesting students. Congress and INDIA bloc leaders assembled at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's residence before proceeding to Gandhi Smriti.
Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi also described students' concerns and anxieties regarding the examination system as "genuine".
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti visited Jantar Mantar and addressed the protesters, praising students for continuing their agitation while demanding justice and transparency in the examination process.
The CJP said Friday's demonstrations would remain peaceful and focus on accountability over the alleged paper leak and protection of the interests of students affected by examination irregularities.

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