NEET Paper Leak Protest: 26 Days of Demands, Clashes, and Stalled Talks
The protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak entered its 26th day on Thursday. What began as a student campaign for accountability has grown into a political movement, drawing support from activists, farmer groups, and opposition parties. The agitation has included a march to Parliament, court interventions, hunger strikes, and police action.
The CJP has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a transparent investigation into examination irregularities, sweeping reforms in the education system, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide due to the paper leak. The party has accused the government of failing to ensure fair NEET examinations.
After being prevented from marching to Parliament on July 20, protesters shifted to Jantar Mantar, where they have held a continuous sit-in. On Wednesday evening, fresh clashes occurred near the protest site. According to Delhi Police, nearly 12,000 people gathered, exceeding the venue’s capacity of about 4,000, causing spillover onto adjacent roads. Police stated that a scuffle involving some protesters and a group of Nihangs led to the use of tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Six police personnel, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police, were injured. The CJP alleged that internet services around Jantar Mantar were shut down and questioned whether authorities were preparing for another crackdown. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke appealed to police not to use force and vowed that the agitation would continue until demands are met.
The Centre has maintained that it is willing to engage with protesters while insisting that the issue should be discussed in Parliament rather than turned into a political confrontation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fast-track courts would be set up to punish the guilty. Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the government had held discussions with CJP and remained open to further talks whenever they sought them. He stated, 'The discussion took place in a very cordial atmosphere. We listened to their views very calmly. I also told them that it would be better if they submitted their points in writing. They have put all those points in writing. I also told them that we are ready for a discussion. Whenever they ask, we are prepared to discuss the matter.' Nadda also said the government is ready for an intensive discussion on examination reforms in Parliament and would respond to a second letter from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk seeking assurances for protesting students.
As of Thursday, the protest continues at Jantar Mantar with no resolution in sight.
