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Nationwide protest planned
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced nationwide peaceful protests for July 24 after rejecting the Centre’s renewed talks proposals over alleged examination paper leaks and the NEET examination standoff, as the deadlock between India’s ruling government and the student-led outfit deepened on July 23.
“The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear on Friday a public interest litigation seeking a probe into the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest over alleged examination irregularities at Jantar Mantar here”
DW said the CJP called for “peaceful” nationwide protests on Friday, July 24, with its poster reading “Every district, one day, one demand,” and it framed the mobilisation as solidarity with victims of police brutality across India.
The Business Standard reported that authorities suspended mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar—the epicentre of the protests—from 4pm until midnight on July 23, while the CJP signalled its agitation would continue despite the government’s outreach.
The Business Standard also reported that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met INDIA bloc lawmakers at his residence on July 23 and later alleged that security personnel prevented opposition MPs from proceeding to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.
In Delhi, the CJP’s protests have been ongoing at Jantar Mantar since June 20, with the movement demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Talks rejected over venue
As the Centre reiterated willingness to engage, Union Minister Jitendra Singh told reporters he was ready to discuss “all issues related to the protests,” offering talks at Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s residence or office, but the CJP rejected the proposal and insisted that any talks must take place at a “neutral” venue.
The Logical Indian reported that Singh said the Centre had reached out to CJP leaders four times and was committed to resolving the issue through dialogue “wherever you want,” while CJP leaders argued the venue itself symbolised political influence and negotiations should instead take place at Jantar Mantar or another neutral location.
The Business Standard said the government invited protesting students for talks after an earlier meeting between Union Health Minister JP Nadda and CJP representatives failed to produce a breakthrough, and it described the disagreement over the venue for talks as the latest point of contention.
The Logical Indian quoted CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urging supporters not to lose momentum, and it said the party’s core demands include Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, accountability for alleged examination irregularities, and wider reforms to restore trust in India’s education system.
In parallel, the CJP’s nationwide call was framed as an escalation beyond Delhi, where protesters have been camping at Jantar Mantar since early June and where Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest through a hunger strike.
Courts, rallies, and legal action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on July 23 that the government decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks, while the CJP continued to press for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as a non-negotiable condition for talks.
“CJP calls nationwide protest tomorrow against 'police brutality' on students, shares guidelines The party has called for peaceful demonstrations in every district in solidarity with those it says were subjected to police action”
The Hindu reported that Modi stated in a post on X, “We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks,” and it said the Opposition reacted by insisting on Pradhan’s resignation.
In Kolkata, The Telegraph India reported that the CJP sought permission from Kolkata Police for a rally scheduled to begin at 4 pm and proceed from College Square to Rani Rashmoni Road, with organisers informing police that around 1,500 people were expected to participate.
The Telegraph India also said emails seeking permission were received on July 19 and July 21 by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) and the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), and it identified Dedipya Gangopadhyay as the applicant who said he was a member of the Cockroach Janta Party.
Separately, BusinessLine reported that the Delhi High Court agreed to hear on Friday a public interest litigation seeking a probe into the CJP-led protest on July 24, after lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha told the court, “They have made the entire Delhi hostage. Roads have been blocked.”
