Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: CJP rejects Centre's talk offer, calls for nationwide protest on July 24 against police brutality

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CJP rejected Centre's offer to hold talks at J.P. Nadda's residence or office; reiterating that talks must be held at Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue

Updated - July 23, 2026 05:23 pm IST

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters protest seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 23, 2026. | Photo Credit: X/AshutoshRanka

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday (July 23, 2026) said that the Centre is ready for talks with the Cockroach Janta Party amid the latter’s protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, CJP has declined the invitation and said that the talks need to happen at Jantar Mantar or at another neutral venue.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a social media post, said that his government will set up fast-track courts for action against those involved in paper leaks. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! 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,” Mr. Modi said.

Also read: The cockroach dilemma facing India’s political parties

The CJP reacted to the announcement and said that while fast-track courts will address what happens after the paper leak, why there are paper leaks is a larger issue that the government must address.

Mr. Wangchuk on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) said he would end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre gives an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against students and youth who participated in the protest against alleged examination irregularities.

Also Read: 16 metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Delhi Gate and Central Secretariat, closed, says DMRC

Delhi Police has registered 10 FIRs against unidentified persons in connection with the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, an officer said on Wednesday (July 22). Of these, four FIRs have been filed at the Sansad Marg police station, three at Connaught Place, and one each at Mandir Marg, Kartavya Path and Barakhamba Road.

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear on Friday (July 23, 2026) a public interest litigation seeking a probe into the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over examination irregularities.

The counsel for the petitioner mentioned the PIL before a Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia and requested that the case be listed on Friday (July 23, 2026). “This is against the so-called student agitation. They have made the entire Delhi hostage. Roads have been blocked. Citizens of Delhi are suffering,” lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha submitted. “Alright. Tomorrow,” Chief Justice Upadhyaya said.

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa on Thursday (July 23) lodged a complaint with the police against Goa BJP leader Narendra Sawaikar over his social media post allegedly referring to protesting youth as “termites”.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led party accused Mr. Sawaikar of promoting hatred and disturbing communal harmony.

Mr. 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!”

Heavy crowds gather near the Jantar Mantar protest site as Rapid Action Force personnel are deployed to maintain security on July 23, 2026.

The Kolkata Police 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), a senior police officer said.

Appropriate action will be taken after verifying the authenticity of the emails, the officer said on Thursday (July 23).

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.