CJP protest in Delhi puts NEET accountability and dialogue with govt in focus

Actor and former Member of Parliament Shabana Azmi discussed the student protests after witnessing tear-gassing and lathicharge at the site. She said the students wanted a "completely non-violent protest" and rejected claims that the gathering was driven by political groups or familiar government critics. Addressing questions about her presence, Azmi said, "I have never been involved with any political party," adding that she and Javed had written to the Prime Minister on July 15 seeking dialogue with the students. She said they were told a reply would come in two days, but she went public after waiting five days. Azmi said the students were seeking education reforms, including allocation of 6% of GDP to education. She also said Parliament should discuss the protests and that "the ball is in the opposition's court" to press for dialogue.

Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das said the protest and Sonam Wangchuk’s fast would continue after police action at Jantar Mantar. He said, “The movement will definitely continue in any case,” while adding that organisers were waiting to hear from the government. Das claimed volunteers had found bags of stones in a van near the protest site and had alerted police. He said anti-social elements might have tried to derail the protest. Das also detailed a meeting with JP Nadda, where the group demanded Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal from the Cabinet, Sonam Wangchuk’s release from hospital, and Rs 1 crore compensation for each family of NEET aspirants who died by suicide. He said Nadda had promised to discuss the demands with senior Cabinet members but had made no commitment. Das also said the movement would expand nationwide around youth issues.

What began as a march of students, parents and job aspirants from across the country ended in clouds of tear gas and clashes just a short distance from Parliament. Waving the tricolour and carrying handwritten placards, protesters – some dressed as cockroaches and others as Mahatma Gandhi – repeatedly attempted to breach police barricades after every setback. As rain lashed central Delhi, the roads around Parliament Street, Patel Chowk and Rail Bhawan echoed with slogans demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Delhi Police responded with baton charges and tear gas, saying over 50 personnel were injured, while the Cockroach Janta Party alleged excessive force and claimed dozens of protesters, including a minor, were hurt. By evening, Parliament Street was strewn with broken barricades, abandoned shoes, torn placards and shattered umbrellas – silent reminders of a day of confrontation.

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