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'I am a street fighter, not an AC room activist': Pradhan

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan struck a defiant note during his first appearance in Parliament after stepping down from the Cabinet, telling Congress leader Jairam Ramesh that he remained a "street fighter" despite his resignation.

Ahead of his arrival on Monday, NDA MPs assembled at Parliament's Makar Dwar to welcome Pradhan. As he entered, party colleagues escorted him inside and presented him with a ceremonial cap, while one BJP MP remarked that it was perhaps the first time a Union minister had resigned without facing any personal allegation.

During the reception, Jairam Ramesh approached Pradhan and expressed sympathy over his resignation. "It happens," the Congress leader told him. Pradhan responded, "Nothing happened," before adding: "I am a street fighter. Not an AC room activist." reported India Today.

The exchange came amid growing speculation over Pradhan's future role within the BJP. Having previously handled key organisational and election responsibilities in several states, he is now being seen as a possible contender for another major assignment.

The BJP has rallied behind Pradhan since his resignation following nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Senior leaders have described his exit as an act of "political accountability", "sacrifice" and one taken in the "national interest", even as the Opposition continued protests over the handling of the student agitation.

'The resignation is just the beginning': Wangchuk

Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday visited Rajghat with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, after being discharged from a hospital in Gurugram, saying Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence remains relevant in addressing public issues.

Referring to the recent CJP-led student movement over alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk congratulated those who participated peacefully. "I wish to congratulate the youth, the common people, and all the citizens of this country. I also congratulate the elders, people of all ages, and the young organisers who carried this movement forward so peacefully. We must understand that if any resolution or achievement has been reached, it was not through the strength of our arms, nor through the use of lathis or stones. Rather, it came about through our appeals for peace and the suffering we endured ourselves...," reported ANI.

He said his visit to Rajghat was meant to reaffirm Gandhi's enduring legacy, adding, "Following the conclusion of this 26-day fast and movement, I wanted to come to Rajghat first to remember Mahatma Gandhi..."

Calling Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation only "the beginning," Wangchuk expressed hope for broader reforms. On the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, he said, "That is a good thing. Let there be a discussion, and let the appropriate measures be adopted after thorough deliberation." He also reiterated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right that must be respected.

CJP's 'resignation party' video ignite political row

Fresh controversy has erupted around the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) after videos surfaced online showing some of its leaders celebrating shortly after the youth-led group's 37-day protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar came to an end.

The clips, which have circulated widely on social media, purportedly show CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with other members, dancing to music after the protest concluded. The videos carry the caption, “Resignation party,” referring to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

The footage drew criticism from BJP Rajya Sabha MP and senior Supreme Court advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, who questioned the timing of the celebration.

“Seriously? The CJP leadership throwing a victory party at a hotel! After Delhi witnessed days of violence, these so-called youth activists switched on the music and began dancing," Jethmalani wrote on X.

He also raised questions about the financial backing of the protest, asking who paid for the demonstrators' travel, accommodation, food, equipment and other logistical arrangements during the 37-day agitation.

Injured protester stable, recovering steadily: RML Hospital

A 21-year-old woman admitted to Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital after a reported protest-related incident is showing steady signs of recovery, according to a medical update issued by the hospital on Monday.

"The 21-year-old female patient, who was admitted to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi in a critical condition following the reported protest-related incident, continues to show steady clinical improvement," the hospital said.

Doctors said the patient was taken off ventilator support nearly five days ago and has been breathing on her own since then.

"She was successfully extubated (removed from ventilatory support) nearly 05 days ago and is maintaining adequate spontaneous breathing. The patient is conscious, alert, and responding appropriately to commands," the statement said.

The hospital added that she has been on oral feeds for the past 72 hours and is tolerating them well. While her condition is currently stable, doctors said she remains under close observation and is receiving comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team to support her continued recovery.

Sonam Wangchuk credits peaceful protest for movement's success

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday credited the success of the recent nationwide student movement to peaceful protests and the collective resolve of people across the country, saying the outcome was achieved through non-violence rather than confrontation.

Addressing supporters, Wangchuk congratulated those who had participated in the agitation, saying, "I wish to congratulate the youth, the common people, and all the citizens of this country."

He also acknowledged the contribution of people across generations, adding, "I also congratulate the elders, people of all ages, and the young organisers who carried this movement forward so peacefully."

Emphasising the importance of non-violent resistance, Wangchuk said the movement's achievements were rooted in discipline and sacrifice rather than force.

"We must understand that if any resolution or achievement has been reached, it was not through the strength of our arms, nor through the use of lathis or stones. Rather, it came about through our appeals for peace and the suffering we endured ourselves..." he said.

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 5.15

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 5.15 pm soon after reconvening at 3pm amid Opposition ruckus. 

Kolkata Police arrest two more over NEET protest violence

Kolkata Police on Monday arrested two more people in connection with the violence that broke out during a protest against the alleged NEET paper leak, taking the total number of arrests to 16.

The latest accused were apprehended from the Garden Reach and Park Circus areas. As part of the investigation, five arrested individuals were taken to Dorina Crossing in Esplanade, where police reconstructed the sequence of events linked to the clashes.

"The reconstruction was carried out to verify the sequence of events and ascertain the individual role of each accused. The investigation is progressing on the basis of evidence, including video footage, digital material and witness statements. More arrests will be made if further involvement is established," a senior Kolkata Police officer said.

Police alleged that the two newly arrested men had actively participated in the violence and vandalism during Friday's march. Authorities also maintained that the unrest was premeditated and said the probe was continuing under the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026.

"The investigation is being carried out in a fair and impartial manner... No one found responsible will be spared, irrespective of affiliation," the officer added.

Wangchuk discharged, to pay respects at Raj Ghat

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday announced that he was being discharged from hospital and would visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi before returning to his home in Ladakh, marking the end of his role in the nationwide anti-paper leak agitation.

"Finally, the day has come when I am being discharged from this hospital. Today, after leaving from here and before heading back home to Ladakh, I will go to Raj Ghat to pay my respects to Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi)," Wangchuk said in a post on X.

Reflecting on the beginning of his campaign, he added, "You might remember that similarly, when I returned from Switzerland, before starting the fast, we paid our respects at Raj Ghat and then went to Jantar Mantar."

Thanking supporters, Wangchuk said, "Before leaving, I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. People of all ages, from near and far, from all across the country, joined their voices with ours... we were successful too."

The 37-day agitation ended after former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the Cockroach Janta Party called off its protest following the Centre's assurances on its demands.

CJP alleges arrests despite Centre's no-action assurance

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday alleged that students and protesters were continuing to face detention and arrests in several states despite the Centre's assurance that no punitive action would follow the recently concluded nationwide agitation.

In a statement shared on X by CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, the organisation said it had received "multiple reports" of students and other protesters being "targeted, detained, or arrested by various state agencies", particularly in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar.

"The Cockroach Janta Party had called off its nationwide protest only after the Government of India assured us that no punitive action would be taken against any protester, either now or in the future, in any BJP-ruled or NDA-ruled states. The reports emerging from these states are therefore a matter of grave concern," the statement said.

The CJP said its legal team was coordinating with lawyers to secure the release of detainees and urged the Centre to honour its commitment. "The FIRs registered ought to be withdrawn too," it said.

Warning against any breach of the assurance, the organisation said, "Our decision to suspend the nationwide protest was taken in good faith," adding that it would "take further necessary steps" if detainees were not released and FIRs withdrawn.

Laws alone can't stop paper leaks: Manoj Jha:

RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Monday backed the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill but questioned whether stricter laws alone could curb paper leaks, arguing that the problem lay in the failure to enforce existing provisions.

"Let the bill be introduced, by all means. Let the systems be further refined—but was there a lack of systems or laws before? It wasn't as if paper leaks were happening because there were no laws; they were occurring despite the laws because influential people were involved..." Jha said.

He contended that laws become ineffective when those responsible for implementing them are themselves compromised, adding, "Policy is determined by intent..."

Commenting on the suspension of a police constable seen allegedly firing an AK-47 during the Siwan student protest, Jha said his party had already moved the Supreme Court.

"... The youth will never forget these images; they will remember them. Our party has already filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court regarding this matter..." he said.

"There is absolutely no room in the future for violence—such as the use of AK-47s or pellet guns—against peaceful protests. Such tactics used to be common in Kashmir... The issue has moved from Kashmir to the Indian mainland..." Jha added.