Live: CJP calls for nationwide protest on Friday; Delhi Police says no crackdown plan tonight
CJP calls Modi’s announcement 'merely an attempt to mislead people’, says students want accountability, responsibility and nothing short of Pradhan’s resignation
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued with its protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam paper leak issue, for the 34th consecutive day on Thursday (July 23).
Breaking his silence on the issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure action against those involved in exam paper leaks.
However, Modi’s bid to placate the protesting students did little, with the CJP calling it a distraction that fails to address the root cause of the NEET paper leak issue. The outfit said the government must take accountability, starting with the resignation of Pradhan.
Also read: Has CJP protest revealed a chink in BJP’s armour? | Talking Sense With Srini
In the evening, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, “Modi ji, I once again request you to accept Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Otherwise, the issue will not remain limited to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation; it will come for your resignation also...An incompetent and failed minister cannot be more important than the crores of students in this country...”
During the day, CJP also turned down Union minister JP Nadda’s invitation for talks, insisting that it will only hold talks at a neutral venue.
Modi's big message
Early in the day, Modi said in a post on X that "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!" In reply, the CJP posted a meme showing a photo of Dharmendra Pradhan with the caption "My name is Nothing."
Modi in his post said, "We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."
Also read: Fresh police crackdown on Jantar Mantar protesters; tear gas fired, internet cut off
INDIA bloc marches to Gandhi Smriti
Meanwhile, the Congress on Wednesday hit back at Union minister J P Nadda for his attack on Rahul Gandhi, saying the former BJP chief's press conference was an unending series of "what-aboutery" and a sure sign of the ruling regime's increasing desperation.
In the evening, Opposition INDIA bloc leaders and MPs marched to Gandhi Smriti to pay homage to the students who took their own lives out of despair because of the question paper leak.
Follow live updates of the CJP protest and related developments throughout the day, here.
Live Updates
- 23 July 2026 5:31 PM IST
AAP lodges police complaint against Goa BJP leader’s ‘termites’ post
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa on Thursday lodged a complaint with the police against Goa BJP leader Narendra Sawaikar over his social media post allegedly referring to protesting youth as “termites”.
Sawaikar, who holds the post of NRI commissioner, posted on X an image of India's map infested with termites and cockroaches. The accompanying message read “Cockroaches with the termites! Save the nation!”
AAP Goa president Valmiki Naik, vice-president Manuel Cardoso and other party leaders submitted the complaint, seeking registration of an FIR against Sawaikar on the charge of making or publishing any false or misleading information, and for circulation of false information, statements, and rumours intended to cause public mischief.
The party also alleged that Sawaikar’s social media posts were intended to incite public hatred against young protesters and create social disharmony. The party also objected to Sawaikar’s use of a “heavily distorted” map of India in the social media post, alleging that it amounted to an insult to the nation’s honour.
The complaint urged the police to initiate legal action against Sawaikar for the alleged offences.
- 23 July 2026 5:28 PM IST
Students protest in Katihar, Bihar Police baton-charge them
Hundreds of students hurled stones at security personnel during a protest over NEET paper leak in Bihar’s Katihar district on Thursday, prompting police personnel to baton-charge to disperse the agitators, a senior officer said.
They held the protest in front of the district collectorate office, raising slogans against the BJP-led central government and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protestors pelted the police personnel with stones, necessitating the use of force to disperse the crowd, claimed the police.
“Everyone has the right to express their views constitutionally. However, action will be taken against people damaging public property or engaging in illegal activities,” Katihar DM Ashutosh Dwivedi told reporters.
He said the police are trying to identify those involved in violence.
“I appeal to everyone, especially students, to present their viewpoint using proper channels. Legal action will cause trouble for them in the future, which we don't want to happen,” the DM said.
Another official said that anti-social elements were involved in the protest, who also engaged in a scuffle with media persons.
The protest in the district came a day after the state capital Patna witnessed violent demonstrations, leading to clashes between the police and protestors.
The police baton-charged and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd in Patna.
- 23 July 2026 5:24 PM IST
CJP seeks permission to hold rally in Kolkata on Friday
The Kolkata Police has reportedly received two emails seeking permission to hold a rally in the city under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday (July 24).
Appropriate action will be taken after verifying the authenticity of the emails, the officer said on Thursday.
The two communications, dated July 19 and July 21, were sent to the Joint Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) and the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), respectively, seeking their approval to organise the march.
The applicant identified himself as Dedipya Gangopadhyay and claimed to be a member of the CJP.
In the email, the applicant sought permission to take out a procession from College Square to Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata at 4 pm on Friday and stated that around 1,500 people are expected to participate.
Police said they have initiated inquiries into the credentials of the applicant and the proposed programme before taking a decision on the request for permission.
- 23 July 2026 4:32 PM IST
Cong making all efforts to keep disruptive politics going: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused the Congress of playing disruptive politics despite the government’s willingness to engage in debate and dialogue over the NEET exam paper leak issue.
"This is a matter regarding students. The government has arrested the accused involved in paper leaks. Today, the PM has said that the culprits will be tried in fast-track courts and they will be punished. The government is working with complete dedication in this matter. I believe discussion on this matter is important. The government is ready to have a discussion in the Parliament on this matter,” she said.
“Earlier they (Opposition) said that a discussion in Parliament is important, and only then they would leave from LKM. Once the government agreed, they laid down another condition. Congress is making all efforts to keep their disruptive politics going. Why are they disrupting Parliament when the government has agreed to have a discussion? I am convinced the Congress party doesn't want to work in the interest of the students but only wants to do politics on this issue," Sitharaman added.
- 23 July 2026 4:26 PM IST
Traders’ union asks shops to down shutters in Connaught Place in urgent advisory
New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has issued an urgent advisory directing all shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place to close by 6:30 pm on July 23, stating that the decision follows advice from the NDMC chairman and vice chairman in view of a “critical situation” in the area.
- 23 July 2026 4:14 PM IST
No discussion till Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Cong
Congress MP KC Venugopal on Thursday said that the Opposition parties have decided that they will not participate in any discussion until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
According to Indian Express, Venugopal has said that the decision has been conveyed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
All Opposition parties except the DMK and AAP have agreed to the decision, he said.
The government, however, said that it is ready for a discussion on the issue, while accusing the Opposition from running away from discussion.
“The entire opposition, including Congress, is running away from discussion, because they know that as soon as they come to the floor of the House, their double standards will be completely exposed before the people of the country and the youth. We issue an open challenge to the entire opposition. Come, let us have an open discussion on every issue related to students and youth, including NEET, on the floor of the House. The NDA government is fully prepared to engage in dialogue on every subject and answer every question,” BJP national president Nitin Nabin said.
- 23 July 2026 4:09 PM IST
RS adjourned till Friday amid uproar as deadlock continues on NEET paper leak issue
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday after Opposition parties led by the Congress insisted on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation even as the government said it was ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue.
- 23 July 2026 4:08 PM IST
Students' protests, resentment can't be ignored; dialogue is must: J-K CM
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the Centre cannot ignore protests by a large number of youth in Delhi over the paper leak issue and should address the "resentment" among them by having a dialogue.
"At some point, there has to be dialogue with them. You cannot ignore such a large number of youth," Abdullah told reporters.
He said when the Cockroach Janata Party held its first protest programme at Jantar Mantar with only a few attendees, some people started making fun of it, saying no one was with them, that millions were on social media, but not ready to come out on the ground.
"Now, the situation in Delhi is before you. A significant part of New Delhi is shut down today. Even last night, tear gas had to be used near the Jantar Mantar," he said.
Abdullah said there is clearly a "resentment" among the youth that has been ignored so far.
"Now, it is a good thing that the prime minister has stated through his post (on X) that youth are important. It would be good if their concerns are addressed through direct conversation with them," he added.
On the climate activist Sonam Wangchuk putting a new condition -- that no retaliatory action be taken against the protesters -- to end his hunger-strike, Abdullah said retaliatory action should not be taken against the youth in any case.
"They are conducting a peaceful protest. If Wangchuk is ready to withdraw his hunger strike on this condition, it is a good step. I believe there should be no retaliatory action, there should be a dialogue with these youths, and their legitimate demands should be acted upon," he said.
- 23 July 2026 3:58 PM IST
Govt. ready for talks at students’ convenience: Union minister Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has said that the government has sent four proposals inviting the CJP for talks since Wednesday afternoon.
“This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussions on all issues at your convenience, at any time. Discussions can take place either at JP Nadda's office or residence. We do not stand on prestige. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and I will be present for discussions. Slowly, by way of discussion, we will progress towards a solution. This is a part of the series of continuous steps taken by the government for the welfare of the students. Humbly, I appeal to you all to come and have discussions,” ANI quoted Singh as saying.
- 23 July 2026 3:50 PM IST
‘Der kar deta hoon main’: Tharoor takes poetic dig at PM Modi
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has used an Urdu couplet to take a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s delayed response to the students’ outrage over the NEET paper leak.
Replying to Modi’s post earlier in the day promising strict action against those involved in the exam paper leak, Tharoor used the words of Urdu poet Munir Niazi to insinuate that the prime minister often delays whether it is to say something important or to keep a promise.
“Humesha der kar deta hun main har kaam karne me. Jaruri baat kehni hoy a koi wada nibhana ho (I always manage to delay, whatever I must do – A crucial word I had to say, a pledge I should see through,” Tharoor’s post said.
