Students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a protest organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, expressing deep concerns over recurring examination controversies, result uncertainties, and a perceived lack of accountability within the education system.
A young woman is on ventilator support at RML Hospital after sustaining injuries during police action at a CJP protest in New Delhi. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, involved thousands marching towards Parliament to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. Both police personnel and protesters reported injuries.
'Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know and see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them.'
Three members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) were detained in Gorakhpur for attempting to burn an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during a protest against alleged examination irregularities.
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.
The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 16th day on Sunday, while it was the eighth day of an indefinite hunger strike announced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has lost around six kg since beginning the fast.
A protest at Jantar Mantar escalated into violence after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation announcement, leading to three police officers, including a special commissioner, sustaining injuries from stone-pelting. Security forces responded with tear gas and a mild lathicharge to control the situation. An investigation is underway, and Delhi Police have registered 15 FIRs, with over 200 police personnel and 65 protesters reportedly injured in ongoing demonstrations.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of 'destroying' India's education system, expressing full support for protesting students and their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has called for compassion and mutual respect amidst ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks. In an Instagram message, Gill emphasised the importance of education and students' future, urging peaceful expression of views.
Despite a typhoid diagnosis, Abhijeet Dipke has reaffirmed his commitment to the nationwide protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
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.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das has termed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' amidst ongoing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, while Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for an in-depth discussion on the issue in Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for the "barbaric assault" on students protesting in Delhi. Gandhi questioned the use of "lethal force," including pellet guns, and sought clarification on who authorised the violence against students, many of whom suffered serious injuries. The protests, spearheaded by the CJP movement, gained national momentum following the NEET paper leak and subsequent police crackdown.
Educator-activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, stating he received assurances from the government and MPs regarding examination reforms, compensation for NEET-UG paper leak victims, and protection for peaceful protesters.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and conveyed the government's assurances regarding his demands, including not registering cases against peaceful protesters and considering compensation for NEET paper leak victims.
Several teachers in Kota have been booked for allegedly holding an unauthorised demonstration against Rajasthan's Education Minister, including burning his effigy and raising slogans.
Delhi Police detained six people at Jantar Mantar to prevent clashes during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest, involving hundreds of students and young professionals, demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, including NEET and CUET. Heavy security was deployed to ensure peace.
Following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the youth, calling it a crucial step for education reform, and urged broader public action to hold the government accountable, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.
Several members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) were detained after attempting to march towards the Ministry of Education to protest alleged institutional neglect in higher education.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging he authorised police excesses against student protesters and was 'scared' to face Parliament. Gandhi also accused the RSS of controlling India's education system and promoting 'andhbhakts'.
Actor Dia Mirza has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delayed and unempathetic response to ongoing student protests concerning alleged NEET exam irregularities and paper leaks. She highlighted his focus on fast-track courts over addressing the emotional distress of affected students and parents.
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students for alleged police brutality and resign along with Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi criticised the government's handling of student protests concerning the education and testing system, highlighting the use of force against demonstrators near Parliament.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials and plans legal action following the NEET paper leak controversy. This comes amidst widespread protests and demands for the Education Minister's resignation, as the NTA initiates a major overhaul and recruitment drive to strengthen its operations.
Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif have appealed for a peaceful resolution to the nationwide protests concerning alleged NEET examination irregularities, which have led to student suicides and violent clashes. Dhawan urged patience and faith in institutions, while Kaif expressed distress over police action against students.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared his hunger strike will persist beyond the 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding government accountability for education system failures or assurances from political leaders to address the issue in Parliament. He also alleges 'illegal detention' at Safdarjung Hospital.
Former BJP leader K Annamalai has criticised the Centre for its handling of the NEET issue, alleging a lack of accountability despite three question paper leaks and questioning the delay in engaging with student protesters.
'This generation decides on their own what is good or bad for them.' 'They got an outlet to vent their anger against this government through CJP and they did that.' 'They felt how can the government control us or lathi charge us?'
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.
Amidst escalating protests over the NEET paper leak, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has declared Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' and is also demanding 1 crore compensation for families affected by suicides linked to the exam cancellation.
The Congress party, through Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, has criticised the proposed amendments to India's anti-paper leaks law, arguing that previous legislation has failed to prevent examination leaks. Gogoi highlighted the ongoing student protests and questioned the government's sincerity, particularly regarding the handling of the NEET fiasco and the welcome given to former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He also raised concerns about the National Testing Agency's accountability.
Parliament embraced Gen Z lingo during a Lok Sabha debate on the crucial anti-paper leak amendment bill.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has again rejected an invitation from Union Minister J P Nadda for talks, insisting that any dialogue with the government must take place at a neutral venue, preferably at their protest site at Jantar Mantar, where they are demanding accountability for the NEET paper 'leak' and the Education Minister's resignation.
Veteran Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat lauded the nation's youth as the 'force that shapes the future' following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, stating that 'democracy won and fear lost'.
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.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut recounted the tense moments inside Parliament during recent protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), where MPs feared being attacked by the "mob". She praised Delhi Police for protecting the public and personnel, while protesters demanded accountability for exam irregularities.
Amidst escalating tensions at Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike, sparking widespread protests from supporters.
'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'
The Maharashtra legislature witnessed widespread protests as Opposition legislators accused the government of failing to prevent examination paper leaks, including the recent Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and NEET. Senior leaders alleged links between those behind the leaks and the BJP, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the examination process and government accountability.
