News for 'The Union'

CJP says ready for talks with govt at neutral venue

CJP says ready for talks with govt at neutral venue

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has expressed readiness to engage in talks with the government regarding ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. However, the CJP insists that any discussions must occur at a neutral venue, not a minister's residence, and that the government must genuinely address their demands, which include the resignation of the Union Education Minister and compensation for affected students.

CJP threatens nationwide protest, says Centre backtracking on FIR promise

CJP threatens nationwide protest, says Centre backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday warned of a fresh nationwide protest, alleging that the Centre was citing the Supreme Court's interim order in a batch of PILs related to its agitation to avoid giving a promised written assurance on withdrawing the FIRs against protesters.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging use of "unparliamentary and derogatory language" and "unsubstantiated allegations" against Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate.

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Defending the law for regulating appointment procedures of the chief election commissioner and the deputies, the Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it would be wrong to assume that the prime minister and the other ministers would act in "bad faith" and against "democracy" because they have a numerical majority in the selection procedure.

No plea filed on police action against CJP protest: CJI slams 'reckless reporting'

No plea filed on police action against CJP protest: CJI slams 'reckless reporting'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

'How can I treat the representation as a writ petition? And people start recklessly reporting this,' the CJI said while lawyers were mentioning their cases for urgent listing on Friday.

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained camped at Jantar Mantar following a police crackdown during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Govt will consider demands, including Pradhan's resignation: Nadda to CJP

Govt will consider demands, including Pradhan's resignation: Nadda to CJP

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A delegation from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) met Union Health Minister JP Nadda in New Delhi amidst widespread protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. Nadda assured the CJP representatives that he would hold internal discussions and requested time to address their demands, which include the minister's resignation, compensation for NEET aspirants, and the release of Sonam Wangchuk. Protesters, facing police action, continued their march towards Parliament.

Under pressure, Modi issues midnight video message

Under pressure, Modi issues midnight video message

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a new bill with stringent provisions against paper leaks will be introduced in Parliament next week. The Union Cabinet will finalise the legislation, which aims to address the pain caused to students by such incidents, citing recent actions taken regarding the NEET paper leak and the establishment of fast-track courts.

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court asserted that the right to peaceful protest is 'absolutely guaranteed' and an agitation cannot justify 'police excesses' or a 'lathi charge,' while agreeing to hear pleas concerning alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

Assam floods: Over 6.5 lakh people affected; toll rises to 66

Assam floods: Over 6.5 lakh people affected; toll rises to 66

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The flood situation in Assam is showing signs of improvement with receding water levels, though over 6.5 lakh people across six districts remain affected and the death toll has risen to 66. Relief operations are being intensified, with central and state leaders reviewing measures and a central team assessing damages.

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A Joint Committee of Parliament has deferred the adoption of a draft report on a bill proposing the suspension, not permanent removal, of the prime minister, Union ministers, and chief ministers if detained for 30 days on serious criminal charges, opting for more consultations.

'Don't drag us into this': HC refuses urgent hearing on police violence

'Don't drag us into this': HC refuses urgent hearing on police violence

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court declined to urgently hear a petition regarding alleged excessive force used by city police against students protesting with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during their "Chalo Sansad" march. The CJP accused police of injuring protesters and assaulting activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, a claim denied by Delhi Police.

Mumbai: Pedestrian opens police van, detained protesters escape

Mumbai: Pedestrian opens police van, detained protesters escape

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A viral video from Mumbai shows a man opening the latch of a police van, allowing detained student protesters to escape during a demonstration in Chembur. The incident occurred amidst a larger student protest against prohibitory orders, where hundreds were initially detained. Another video features a woman criticising police conduct and demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation. Mumbai police have registered multiple cases and booked hundreds in connection with recent protests.

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that a complete ban on pellet guns is not possible as long as existing advisories permit their use for crowd control in exceptional circumstances by security agencies. However, the court clarified that allegations of specific misuse can be examined on a case-by-case basis, particularly in light of recent protests against the NEET paper leak.

Dipke backs Jharkhand student protest, says CJP will act as...

Dipke backs Jharkhand student protest, says CJP will act as...

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will operate as a 'pressure group' to address issues like public trust, unemployment, and institutional accountability, with founder Abhijeet Dipke declaring support for protesting students in Jharkhand and advocating for those involved in NEET paper leak agitations.

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Congress-led Opposition is set to keep the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Sunday.

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology has demanded a personal apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook. The committee also discussed potential legal action and the withdrawal of safe harbour protection, while questioning Meta officials on algorithmic bias and accountability.

Telangana CM Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Union Minister's Son

Telangana CM Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Union Minister's Son

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy has directed the DGP to form special teams and expedite the investigation into the POCSO case against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The CM has sought an explanation for the delay in action despite the complaint being registered earlier.

Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Takes Helm As Interim FIDE President

Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Takes Helm As Interim FIDE President

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed interim president of the world chess body FIDE. This follows the stepping aside of incumbent president Arkady Dvorkovich, who was included in the European Union's sanctions list due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Dvorkovich plans to challenge the sanctions, which he deems unfair.

Cong's Pawan Khera meets Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar

Cong's Pawan Khera meets Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Congress leader Pawan Khera met activist Sonam Wangchuk and members of the Cockroach Janata Party protesting at Jantar Mantar against alleged NEET paper leaks. The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with Wangchuk on an indefinite fast. Other opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Dimple Yadav, have also shown solidarity.

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated he will end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre provides an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against students and youth who participated in protests against alleged examination irregularities.

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

'Don't waste our time': SC refuses urgent hearing on police action at CJP protest

'Don't waste our time': SC refuses urgent hearing on police action at CJP protest

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court refused an urgent hearing for a plea challenging police action against students during a protest march in Delhi. The Chief Justice of India declined to review video evidence of alleged police brutality, stating the court was not interested in watching videos. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, saw thousands of students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, leading to clashes with security personnel.

SC refuses to review hate speech ruling on Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC refuses to review hate speech ruling on Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier decision that no cognisable offence was made out against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma for their alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi.

Delhi Police cracks down on anti-Modi posts after protests

Delhi Police cracks down on anti-Modi posts after protests

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Delhi Police has taken decisive action, directing multiple social media platforms to remove offensive and abusive posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah, Nabin, top BJP leaders hold crucial meet at PM's residence

Shah, Nabin, top BJP leaders hold crucial meet at PM's residence

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Top BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and party president Nitin Nabin, met at PM Modi's residence ahead of the Parliament's Monsoon session, amidst speculation of a party and cabinet reshuffle.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its 36-day agitation following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amidst widespread protests over irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak. The government also agreed to the CJP's demands for 1 crore compensation to families of students who died by suicide and no action against protesters.

'We grant six weeks': SC orders Bihar to clear illegal Ganga encroachments

'We grant six weeks': SC orders Bihar to clear illegal Ganga encroachments

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Bihar government, ordering the removal of all unauthorised structures and encroachments along the Ganga river banks between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat in Patna within six weeks. The court expressed concern over illegal constructions and noted the lack of action despite previous orders, warning of strict views on any laxity. The directive came during the hearing of a plea against a National Green Tribunal order regarding encroachments on eco-fragile floodplains.

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

A derogatory 'cockroach' remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing inadvertently sparked a nationwide student movement, transforming an insult into a powerful symbol of protest that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Jantar Mantar protest brings together Boomers and Gen Z

Jantar Mantar protest brings together Boomers and Gen Z

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged paper leaks and irregularities in public examinations, initially led by students, has now entered its seventh week and is increasingly drawing support from senior citizens, who view it as a fight for the nation's future and education reforms.

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the country's youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a "high" for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life "low".

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Bhagwanrao Dipke, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, described Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister as 'a very good step' to soothe the growing anger among protesting students and their families across the nation.

Sanjay Manjrekar backs NEET-UG protesters, calls for student empowerment

Sanjay Manjrekar backs NEET-UG protesters, calls for student empowerment

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has publicly thrown his support behind students protesting the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, emphasising the importance of empowering India's youth amidst ongoing demonstrations and calls for systemic educational reform.

Trump's New Tariffs Face Legal Heat

Trump's New Tariffs Face Legal Heat

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'Tariff action relating to the excess-capacity investigation will be even more susceptible to judicial overturn.'

'Join BJP or....': Dipke's mother recalls 'video threat' to CJP founder

'Join BJP or....': Dipke's mother recalls 'video threat' to CJP founder

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The mother of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday claimed that her son had received a video threat coercing him to join the Bharatiya Janata Party or face severe consequences against his family.

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian farmers staged a significant protest at the Shambhu border against a proposed India-US trade deal, fearing its detrimental effects on the domestic agricultural sector and demanding its immediate abandonment. They later ended their agitation after assurances from the Haryana Agriculture Minister regarding the release of detained farmers and a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister.