Live: CJP calls for nationwide protest on Friday; Delhi Police says no crackdown plan tonight

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.