Heavy security remains in place across parts of New Delhi, with barricades continuing around Parliament House, Rafi Marg and other key areas, as the Cockroach Janta Party presses ahead with its protest

Heavy security arrangements remained in place across parts of New Delhi as the CJP continued its protest at Jantar Mantar. Barricades were placed around key areas, including Parliament House and Rafi Marg, as authorities monitored the growing crowd.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging failures in preventing irregularities and paper leaks linked to competitive examinations, including NEET.
The CJP said the protest movement was gaining momentum, claiming that more people would join the demonstration if the government did not respond to its demands.
The party continued its sit-in at Jantar Mantar, while supporters gathered in large numbers despite heightened security measures around central Delhi.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, said he would end his fast if the government provided an assurance that no student or young protester would face punitive or retaliatory action for participating in the movement.
Wangchuk said protesters had only raised concerns over the need for a fair and accountable education system and sought protection from any further legal action.
The NEET paper leak controversy and police action during the protests became a major issue in Parliament on Wednesday.
The government said it was ready for a detailed discussion on the matter but accused the Opposition of disrupting proceedings. Opposition parties demanded greater accountability and questioned the handling of the examination controversy.
The Delhi Police registered multiple FI R s in connection with the July 20 CJP march towards Parliament. The Delhi High Court sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police over petitions alleging excessive use of force during the protest.
The court also directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other relevant records linked to the incident.
Opposition leaders criticised the government’s response to the protest. Congress leader P. Chidambaram said Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation could help reduce tensions, calling it an honourable step.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the Centre not to use force against protesting students, warning that further action could worsen the situation.
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal also criticised alleged restrictions around Jantar Mantar and accused the government of attempting to silence youth voices.
The CJP said it was willing to engage in discussions with the government but insisted that talks should take place at Jantar Mantar or a neutral location nearby instead of ministers’ residences or offices. The party said it wanted meaningful discussions focused on accepting its demands rather than symbolic meetings.
Support demonstrations were also reported in Mumbai, where police registered cases against people participating in protests supporting the CJP-led agitation.
The nationwide attention around the movement continued as the NEET paper leak issue remained a major political and public concern.
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Youth will find ways to join protest even if all metro stations are shut: Kejriwal
Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said young protesters "will find a way" to join the agitation even if all the metro stations are shutdown. Addressing a joint press conference with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Kejriwal criticised the closure of several Metro stations, saying such measures would only strengthen the protests.
SCAORA condemns Delhi Police's action against protestors
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Video
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Published: 22 Jul 2026, 08:06 am IST
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