Students protested alleged NEET UG exam irregularities at Jantar Mantar on July 20, 2026 . Protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration, part of the "Sansad Chalo" movement, involved students and farmer groups.
Clashes erupted between police and protesters. This led to a police lathi-charge. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was among those present.
Sonam Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for approximately 20 days. He was taken into police custody two days before the "Sansad Chalo" movement. On his 21st day of fasting, Wangchuk was hospitalized. The Delhi High Court later granted his request to move to Medanta Hospital.
Opposition Demands Action
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a sit-in protest on July 21, 2026 . They protested outside the Prime Minister's residence. Gandhi demanded answers regarding the "brutalities" against students.
Gandhi called for the resignation of the Prime Minister and Home Minister. He stated, "The only door open to them is that of competitive examinations, and that door has also been destroyed." The government has not yet responded to these demands.
Arrest Claims Denied
On July 20, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das posted on X alleging Dipke had been apprehended. He also claimed police were assaulting peaceful protesters. Das later clarified Dipke was not under arrest or detention.
The Delhi Police denied these claims. They stated on X that Dipke was "available on stage." They called the arrest allegations "entirely false.".
Talks Held with Union Minister
CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on July 20. They presented their demands, including Pradhan's removal. The meeting occurred during the "Sansad Chalo" campaign.
Das reported Nadda assured them the demands would be discussed "at the appropriate level." No specific commitments were made. The CJP stated they would continue their protest until demands are met.
The NEET UG main examination, initially scheduled for May 3, was canceled. Allegations of a paper leak led to its postponement. This caused significant distress among exam aspirants. Several student suicides have been reported.
