Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Congress supports all demands raised by students, Modi must apologise to them, says Rahul
CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Follow The Hindu for the latest updates as calls grow for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak, while Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and other Opposition leaders join the protest.
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Delhi HC seeks Centre, police response on pleas over use of 'excessive' force during July 20 protest march; CJP urges Sonam Wangchuk to break his fast, says ready to meet Nadda at 'neutral venue' today
Updated - July 22, 2026 05:20 pm IST
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference in New Delhi on July 22, 2026. Photo: YouTube/Rahul Gandhi
Large groups of people, including supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), continue to join the sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday (July 22, 2026), with the CJP saying “millions more will come” to Delhi if the government doesn’t agree to its demands, primarily the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET ‘paper’ leak issue. The CJP leadership, including by founder Abhijeet Dipke, has appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk —who is on day 25 of his hunger strike— to break his fast, vowing that the protests will continue till demands are met.
Also read: Police file four FIRs amid flak over crackdown on protesters
Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) sought response of the Centre and the Delhi Police on petitions highlighting use of “excessive force” against protesters during the CJP-led march at Parliament on July 20. The Court also directed the Delhi Police to preserve all records relating to the incident, including CCTV footage and videography, if any, in accordance with the SOPs in place.
A total of 10 FIRs have been lodged across five Delhi police stations so far in connection with the protest march. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) declined a request for urgent listing of a plea challenging the police action against students during the march. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of using the country’s youth as “political tools” and creating a “manufactured sense of anger” to serve their own interests.
Also read: Hundreds of people order food online for protestors at Jantar Mantar
Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh visited activist Sonam Wangchuk - who is on day 25 of his indefinite fast - at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after he was moved there in compliance with the Delhi High Court order. Urging him to appeal to students to keep faith and avoid further escalation, the Ministers also conveyed the government’s decision to initiate a debate in Parliament, sources said. On Wednesday (July 22, 2026), Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha of the government’s willingness to take up a discussion on the NEET paper ‘leak’ issue.
After receiving several requests to end his fast, activist Sonam Wangchuk said that he would break his fast if the Govt assures that no punitive action is taken against protesting students
“During our discussion, you assured me that the Government would positively consider the following,” Mr. Wangchuk said in a letter, referring to his meeting with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
He said government would consider:
1. Adequate compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following the examination paper leak.
2. A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Hon’ble Education Minister.
“I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only “offence” has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system,” he added.
“If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely. I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement.”
“Are your demands non-negotiable? Will Parliament function?,” a mediaperson asked Rahul Gandhi, to which he replied: “The demands are non negotiable but whether the House runs tomorrow, is up to Opposition parties.”
“In every government, there comes a time when the government collapses psychologically. This government is in panic,” Mr. Gandhi said before concluding his press conference.
