CJP Protest Live: Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid call for nationwide candle march

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time when the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was set to hold another round of talks with the Centre on Saturday. The government had indicated an "in-principle" acceptance of two key demands, Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG controversy and withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters.

Ahead of the scheduled meeting, CJP leaders had demanded a categorical "yes or no" from the government on whether Pradhan will step down, warning that the movement could intensify if there is no clarity. The meeting is expected to take place between 3.30 pm and 4 pm, though the venue is yet to be finalised, according to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.

The developments come as security has been tightened across parts of Delhi and eighteen Delhi Metro stations have been shut until further orders. The Delhi Police have reinforced barricades around Jantar Mantar with heavy-duty chains and welding, and prohibitory measures remain in force through the weekend amid expectations of larger gatherings.


Also read: 'Do not mess with cockroaches': CJP celebrates Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation




The Centre's proposal for a meeting follows nearly two hours of discussions between Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh and CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Friday. While the government agreed "in principle" to compensation and legal protection for protesters, it sought more time to deliberate on the demand for Pradhan's resignation. Separately, the Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the anti-paper leak law proposing stricter punishments, including up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 10 crore for organised paper leak rackets.

CJP protests in Delhi: Key highlights

The protest over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak entered a decisive phase after the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march, during which clashes broke out between protesters and Delhi Police, resulting in injuries and multiple FIRs. Since then, Jantar Mantar has remained the hotspot of demonstrations, with protesters demanding the Pradhan's resignation, structural reforms to the examination system, compensation for families of students allegedly driven to suicide by the examination crisis and withdrawal of police cases against demonstrators.

In response, the Centre has announced an overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), initiated recruitment for senior officials and young professionals, approved amendments to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and opened negotiations with CJP leaders.

While talks have yielded progress on compensation and legal protection, the government's position on Pradhan's resignation remains the key sticking point.

Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Minister sends resignation letter to PM Modi amid CJP protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday amid ongoing backlash from the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party.

CJP calls for nationwide candle march on July 26

Cockroach Janta Party has appealed for coordinated demonstrations across districts on July 26, urging participants to hold silent marches and reiterate the protesters' demands.

• CJP has called for a nationwide candle march on Sunday, July 26, asking supporters to gather at their respective District Collector offices at 6 pm.
• The party said the march is being organised to express solidarity with those who allegedly faced police brutality during the ongoing NEET protest movement.
• CJP urged student unions and other organisations to coordinate locally, obtain necessary permissions and manage logistics for the demonstrations.
• Organisers have asked participants to publicly read out the protesters' demands before beginning a silent candle march, with one candle symbolising each student "failed by the system".
• The party said a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), campaign materials and a memorandum template have been made available on its website for organisers across the country.

Govt, CJP to meet again over Pradhan demand

The Centre is expected to hold another round of talks with CJP leaders on Saturday afternoon after Friday's discussions ended without a decision on the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

• The meeting is expected between 3.30 pm and 4 pm, according to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.
• Ranka said the CJP wants a clear "yes or no" from the government on Pradhan's resignation.
• The CJP also expects written confirmation on the government's in-principle acceptance of compensation and withdrawal of FIRs.
• Ranka warned the organisation would decide its future course if the government refuses to clarify its stand.
• The government had sought time until Saturday afternoon after Friday's meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

CJP accuses Delhi Police of 'laying siege' to Jantar Mantar

The youth-led group has alleged that police are restricting access to the protest site and preventing essential supplies from reaching demonstrators, urging authorities to immediately withdraw the measures.

• CJP alleged that Delhi Police are unlawfully detaining and intimidating citizens attempting to reach Jantar Mantar, calling on the force to immediately stop preventing people from joining the peaceful protest.
• The party claimed volunteers carrying food, drinking water, medicines and sanitation supplies are being stopped from entering the protest site, describing the restrictions as an attempt to "lay siege" to Jantar Mantar.
• CJP said Jantar Mantar is India's designated space for peaceful democratic dissent and argued that protesters are exercising their constitutional rights, not posing a threat to public order or national security.
• The party urged Delhi Police to ensure unhindered access for volunteers, journalists, lawyers, family members and medical personnel, while respecting citizens' fundamental right to peacefully assemble.

Also read: CJP accuses Delhi Police of 'laying siege' to Jantar Mantar, demands immediate end to restrictions

Abhijeet Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said he has been diagnosed with typhoid but will continue leading the movement. Dipke had been unwell for the past few days and is currently undergoing treatment.

• Dipke announced that he was diagnosed with typhoid and was undergoing treatment, receiving IV medication.
• He thanked supporters for sustaining peaceful protests nationwide.
• Dipke said the agitation would continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
• He congratulated protesters for expanding the movement across the country.

Security tightened across Delhi through the weekend

Delhi Police have further intensified security arrangements across the national capital, particularly around Jantar Mantar and central Delhi, anticipating larger crowds over the weekend as the CJP protest continues.

• Multiple layers of iron barricades have been installed at key locations and reinforced with heavy-duty chains and welding to prevent them from being dismantled or breached, according to police officials.Security has been stepped up around Jantar Mantar, with additional personnel deployed across New Delhi, Central Delhi and North Delhi districts, where authorities expect large gatherings and possible attempts to march towards restricted areas.
• Police have enhanced surveillance through anti-sabotage checks, intensified vehicle inspections and increased patrolling at sensitive locations to maintain law and order.
• Officials have directed district police units to remain on high alert and monitor individuals with criminal backgrounds who could exploit the protests to create disturbances. Police sources claimed facial recognition systems have identified over 2,500 such individuals entering the protest area in recent days.
• Authorities said the elaborate security measures are aimed at facilitating peaceful demonstrations while preventing any untoward incident or breach of security during the expected weekend rush.

Centre signals agreement on compensation, FIR withdrawal

Talks between the Centre and CJP made progress on two of the protesters' demands, though the resignation issue remains unresolved.

• CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said the government responded positively to compensation and withdrawal of FIRs.
• Das said the Centre had accepted these demands "in principle" and discussions would continue.
• Ashutosh Ranka said the government also indicated support for legal protection against future cases involving peaceful protesters.
• Union Minister JP Nadda noted the delegation presented three principal demands and five examination reform proposals.
• Nadda said the government would meet the delegation again after internal consultations.

Cabinet clears tougher anti-paper leak law

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill proposing stronger punishments for paper leak offences. The Bill brings amendments to the Prevention of Paper Leak law, proposing tougher punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks as the Centre moves to strengthen the integrity of competitive examinations.

• The Bill proposes up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to ₹10 crore for organised paper leak cases.
• It also mandates time-bound investigations and fast-track court trials.
• The amendments strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
• The Bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament on Monday.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the proposal in a video message on Thursday night.

PM Modi thanks youth, reiterates crackdown on paper leaks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message, thanked young people for their response to his message on examination reforms. This was the second video message released by the PM responding to the ongoing CJP protests in different parts of India.

• Modi thanked youngsters for their "insightful suggestions" in a video message.
• He reiterated that the government would not spare those responsible for paper leaks.
• The PM said fast-track courts would be established for such cases.
• He said protecting the future of students remained the government's priority.
• Modi's remarks came amid continuing protests over the NEET controversy.

CJP insists agitation will continue

Despite progress in talks, the CJP said its movement would continue until its principal demand is addressed.

• Ashutosh Ranka said ultimate accountability lies with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• The CJP maintained that compensation and FIR withdrawal cannot replace its demand for Pradhan's resignation.
• Ranka said the organisation would adopt a tougher stance if the government failed to provide clarity.
• Protesters continue their sit-in at Jantar Mantar ahead of today's meeting.

Sonam Wangchuk defends decision to end hunger strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk hit back at critics questioning his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying the written assurances secured from the Centre were in the interest of students and systemic reforms.

• In a video message, Wangchuk said he should not have to seek a "character certificate" after fasting for 26 days, losing 11 kg and risking irreversible damage to his health for the students' cause.
• He said he delayed ending the fast by two days because he insisted on written assurances, rejecting earlier verbal commitments from the government.
• Wangchuk ended his hunger strike at Medanta Hospital after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh handed over written assurances on NEET-related reforms and the competitive examination system.
• He urged people not to be influenced by politically motivated criticism and instead verify the credibility and background of those making allegations before believing them.
• The activist also appealed to supporters to focus on the larger objective of examination reforms rather than speculation surrounding his decision to end the fast.

Metro closures and traffic restrictions remain in force

Public transport restrictions continue for the fourth consecutive day.

• Eighteen Delhi Metro stations remain closed until further orders.
• Interchange facilities continue at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
• Delhi Traffic Police have advised commuters to avoid restricted areas.
• Ride-hailing, delivery and logistics operators have been asked to regulate services in affected zones.
• Liquor shops across Delhi will continue closing at 8 pm through the weekend following police inputs.