Dharmendra Pradhan

In an interview with India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convener Ashutosh Ranka discussed the decision to call off their planned September 5 protest march following Supreme Court proceedings. Ranka noted that all FIRs against protesting students across the country stand quashed under Article 142 and that the central government has committed to a 90-day deadline regarding compensation. Addressing the demand for financial relief, Ranka emphasized, "One crore is the least any government can do," referencing the loss suffered by families affected by the NEET paper leak. He reiterated that the CJP's core demands included ministerial accountability, financial compensation, and the withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful student protesters. Ranka stated that the group would continue campaigning for student rights, with its immediate focus directed towards accountability and infrastructure inspections in government schools across the country.

Pranita Subhash discussed celebrity support for Gen Z protests and student activism at the India Today Karnataka Roundtable. In an exclusive interview, the actor shared her take on why celebrities were cautious about protests against examination irregularities.

In an interview with India Today, UT Khader, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, addressed key national and state issues, including the controversy surrounding 'Vande Mataram', youth engagement, public examination paper leaks, and food hygiene enforcement in Karnataka. Speaking on national symbols, Khader asserted, "One nation will have one national anthem," noting that political debates around 'Vande Mataram' are intended "to distract the mind of the people." He defended youth activism and recalled the historical reduction of the voting age to eighteen, while addressing grievances over national entrance exam paper leaks. Responding to questions on public administration, Khader detailed the state government's efforts to generate employment and enforce strict health and hygiene standards across commercial eateries, government canteens, and prominent clubs in Karnataka, emphasizing that public safety and quality food access remain non-negotiable state priorities.

In an interview, Cockroach Janata Party chief Abhijeet Dipke discussed his right to privacy injunction suit in the Delhi High Court seeking two crore rupees in damages over fake news and propaganda, noting that platform X proactively took action against the tweets. He stated that the next hearing is set for September 14. Dipke outlined the upcoming National Working Committee meeting to decide escalation steps for the School Theek Karo campaign after the central government failed to adhere to the July 25 agreement timelines following Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Addressing allegations of 150 crore rupees misappropriation against Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Mishra, Dipke stated, "Taking moral responsibility, I think Mr. Manam Mishra should resign." He dismissed Mishra's supporter gathering, comparing it to crowds assembling for convicted rapists. Dipke also criticized the FIR registered against CJP member Deep Kane in Latur, saying, "The system is getting exposed, the system is rattled," and affirmed that legal intimidation will not deter their social audit of schools across India.

In this debate hosted by Preeti, panelists discuss Rahul Gandhi's protest at Sansad Marg Thana demanding an FIR regarding the alleged use of pellet guns against students. BJP national spokesperson Dr Saeed Zafar Islam terms the move a political stunt, stating, 'This is nothing but it's a stunt which will definitely backfire on him,' and emphasizes that a Supreme Court-mandated high-powered committee is examining the matter. Congress MP Dr Syed Nasir Hussein responds by arguing that escalating the issue was necessary after force was used against students on July 20, questioning why it took over a month to file an FIR. Political analyst Rajat Sethi notes the technicalities surrounding zero FIRs and operational morale, while acknowledging optical missteps by the BJP. Former IPS officer Yashvardhan Azad highlights procedural norms regarding police crowd control, noting that while pellet guns are not banned, failure to lodge an FIR when an injured victim approaches the station creates unnecessary confusion.

In this India Today debate hosted by Preeti, panelists discuss Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's intervention at the Sansad Marg Police Station to demand an FIR regarding alleged pellet gun injuries sustained by a student. BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Saeed Zafar Islam criticized Gandhi's action, stating, 'He is using their shoulders to pursue his own political ambition.' In response, Congress MP Dr. Saeed Nasir Hussain argued that filing an FIR is standard statutory procedure, questioning, 'Will an FIR undermine the job of the inquiry committee in this country?' Political analyst Rajat Sethi observed that while police operational exigencies require independent review, delaying the FIR allowed opposition grandstanding. Former IPS Special Director Yashvardhan Azad noted that once pellet gun usage was corroborated, police were obligated to lodge an FIR, attributing the political fallout to governmental delay.

A political controversy has erupted in Delhi following allegations that police refused to register a First Information Report regarding a pellet gun attack during a student protest on July 20. The victim, who underwent multiple eye surgeries at AIIMS after suffering pellet injuries near Connaught Place, submitted a written complaint along with family members and legal counsel. However, police officials allegedly declined to issue an FIR acknowledgment, citing orders from higher authorities. In response, opposition leaders staged a dharna outside the Parliament Street police station and the DCP office, demanding immediate registration of the case and accountability from the Union Home Ministry. Protesters and leaders questioned why no investigation has been initiated despite written complaints submitted across multiple police divisions, including the DCP Crime Branch and Connaught Place SHO. The ongoing sit-in highlights growing friction between student demonstrators and law enforcement over the alleged use of excessive force during public protests.

This edition of News Today examines public order and protest rights following a Supreme Court hearing on the July 20 student demonstrations.

In this edition of The Democratic Newsroom, editors Raj Chengappa, Rajdeep Sardesai, Gaurav Sawant, Moushumi Singh, and Preeti Choudhry discuss the complete washout of the monsoon parliamentary session.

In this video, anchor Rajdeep Sardesai spoke with Devendra Nath Mahto, the Jharkhand student activist, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged irregularities in the public service examination.

In this video, Anchor Preeti Chaudhary brings you a detailed look at two major developments highlighting the political deadlock and administrative challenges impacting governance and public interest across India.

From the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the CJP-led youth protests to by-election surprises in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, has Indian politics entered a new phase?

The Parliament deadlock continues for a third consecutive week as opposition parties intensified efforts to corner the government over the recent crackdown on student protests, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the July 20 police action.

Education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk spoke about his health and recovery after ending his hunger strike, as well as the nationwide protests over examination irregularities.

A special news report on India First, anchored by Gaurav Sawant, examines major political developments across South Asia.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today's Marya Shakil, senior BJP leader and former Education Minister Smriti Irani addressed the ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks and the government's response.

An India Today news report features an interview with Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Deepke following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Abhijeet Deepke, founder and convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), outlined the growth and future trajectory of his youth movement. Deepke addressed the fallout from student protests at Jantar Mantar and the subsequent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He designated the July 20 police action at Jantar Mantar as the critical turning point that expanded the movement's national reach, while acknowledging activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike in mobilizing public support. Rejecting claims of being an Aam Aadmi Party proxy, receiving foreign funding, or operating with external political backing, Deepke asserted that the movement is entirely independent and sustained directly by citizens, academics, and doctors. Addressing systemic distrust, youth unemployment, economic anxiety, and exam paper leaks, Deepke stated that CJP will remain a political pressure group rather than contesting elections, while pledging legal defense and street action for students facing police FIRs.

The programme primarily addresses Gen Z and Gen Alpha student protests, examining online backlash, abusive language, and the resignation of the education minister. Lieutenant Bamji discusses constitutional limits, apologises for aggressive online remarks, and warns against criminalising student language while cautioning against pulling the armed forces into political debates.

Just a week after the Gen Z-led movement at Jantar Mantar and Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Bihar is witnessing its first election since the protests.