CJP protest highlights: 18 metro stations to remain shut today, Sonam Wangchuk rejects 'deal' allegations

CJP protest today updates: Opposition leaders in Maharashtra have condemned a viral video allegedly showing a police officer manhandling a woman protester during a demonstration in Mumbai over the NEET paper leak, demanding strict action against the officer.

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad shared the video on X, claiming it showed a plainclothes policeman grabbing and manhandling a woman protester during a demonstration in Dadar.

"The agitation over the paper leak case is underway. What happened to a young woman during the protest in Mumbai is deeply painful... False cases are being filed against students, and they are being threatened," Gaikwad wrote.

In another post, she questioned why a male police officer was handling a woman protester. "What is this behaviour, Mumbai Police?... What action will be taken against him? This is unacceptable," she said.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also shared the video and demanded immediate action against the officer.

"If he is a policeman, suspend him immediately... Register a case of outraging the modesty of a woman against him and put him behind bars," Pawar said.

The protest was held at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Thursday, where students and activists demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation before police dispersed the gathering.

CJP protest today updates: Model Rhiya Ahir, one of the faces of the July 22 student protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of strict action on paper leaks but said the government's promises must translate into action.

Reacting to the Prime Minister's video message, Ahir said, "Absolutely, those were the demands of the students. So, the demands are being heard, that's beautiful."

She, however, added that implementation would be the real test. "To say is one thing but for it to actually happen is another. The alleged mastermind in the 2024 leaks was released on bail and he has been cleared of all allegations. So, I hope it doesn't happen this time," she said.

CJP protest today updates: At the Sansad Marg intersection outside the NDMC headquarters, where protesters and police remain face to face, CJP volunteers repeatedly appealed to demonstrators to avoid provocative slogans or any form of violence.

Volunteers told protesters that Sonam Wangchuk had ended his hunger strike and that talks with the government on the remaining demands were underway.

"Do not do anything that leads to these talks failing," volunteers announced, urging protesters to maintain peace. They also appealed to demonstrators not to raise provocative slogans or engage in violence.

CJP protest today updates: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ratna Singh on Friday appealed to lawyers in Delhi to help secure the release of detained protesters, alleging that police were detaining youths travelling in auto-rickshaws and cabs.

Addressing a press conference, Singh claimed police had set up checkpoints at Lodhi Road and Nizamuddin and were detaining youths heading towards the protest site.

"Police are detaining youth commuting by auto-rickshaw and cabs after setting up checkpoints at Lodhi Road and Nizamuddin. Cops are also misbehaving with lawyers," she alleged. (PTI

CJP protest today updates: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to file detailed affidavits on the progress made in implementing reforms following the NEET-UG paper leak, saying it would closely monitor the process.

A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said the affidavits must explain the steps taken to institutionalise the reforms rather than rely on ad hoc measures.

The court sought details on the proposed governing board, expert-led units, stakeholder nominations and the implementation of the High-Powered Committee's recommendations across 10 verticals, including digital infrastructure, security, research and development, transparency, administration and human resources. It also sought a status report on reforms at every stage of the examination process, including pre-exam, during the exam and post-exam.

The bench asked the Centre to explain the progress on multiple-session examinations, examination centres, question paper printing and transportation, coordination with states and districts, the proposed shift to computer-based testing, data protection safeguards, and the role of the newly appointed Additional Directors General for security, monitoring and vigilance.

Observing that deploying the Indian Air Force to transport question papers after the paper leak was "only an ad hoc measure" and could not be a permanent solution, Justice Narasimha also sought details on the proposed use of technologies such as DigiYatra for candidate verification.

Accepting Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's assurance that a fresh affidavit would be filed, the bench said, "We will closely monitor it. We will ensure institutionalisation takes place. We will monitor it throughout the year." The matter has been posted for hearing next Monday. (ANI)

CJP protest today updates: Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Friday questioned why bureaucrat Vineet Joshi had been holding multiple key education-related posts simultaneously before his transfer.

In a post on X, Chidambaram wrote that Joshi had been serving as Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Secretary of the School Education Department, and Chairman of the UGC, CBSE and NTA.

"One Minister, One Secretary/Chairman!" Chidambaram said.

He added, "Mr Joshi may have held some of these posts in an Acting capacity, but surely someone else could have been given in-charge instead of burdening one person."

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the NEET paper leak row, saying the remarks would not address the concerns of protesting students.

Questioning the timing of the Prime Minister's video message, Khera said, "Who is taking the Prime Minister's words seriously? He is responding after 22-25 days and saying strange things."

He added that students had taken to the streets over genuine concerns and that "through such statements, the frustration of the youth is not going to end."

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday attacked the BJP over the paper leak issue, saying the problem lay with the ruling party itself and not merely with its handling of the crisis.

In a post on X, Yadav wrote, "When the disease is in the ROOT, no one is going to buy treating the FRUIT. Every problem in the country has just one root... BJP."

He also coined the slogan: "NO FAST TRACK; BJP GO BACK!"

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders on Friday told HT that some of their demands were "non-negotiable" ahead of their scheduled meeting with the government.

Addressing reporters, CJP leader Saurav Das said he and Ashutosh Ranka would meet the government delegation at 12.30 pm, where Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh were expected to be present.

"We hope that they know some of our demands are non-negotiable," Das said.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterated the party's key demand, saying, "Our demand is clear. Even in my dreams now I hear -- 'Dharmendra Pradhan istifa do.'"

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday urged the Opposition to allow a discussion on the NEET issue, saying avoiding a debate would send the wrong message to the country.

"If we make excuses for not holding discussion on NEET, it will send the wrong message to the country," Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm amid continued Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak and the police action on students.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday reiterated that the protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, saying it would not let Sonam Wangchuk's "sacrifice go to waste".

Abhijeet Dipke said, "We will not let Sonam Sir's sacrifice go to waste. The protests at Jantar Mantar will continue till Dharmendra Pradhan resigns!"

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said it would launch a website to collect evidence of alleged police excesses during the protests and pursue legal action against personnel accused of misconduct.

CJP leaders alleged that police personnel had engaged in violence and sexual harassment during the protests.

"All officers who engaged in violence, sexual harassment with kids will not be spared," they told HT. The party said it would invite people to upload photographs and videos of the alleged incidents.

"We are starting a website. If you have photos and videos of these attacks, we will identify every one of these officers and ensure FIRs are registered against them. We will take them to court if FIRs are not registered," the leaders said.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders on Friday said the agitation had grown beyond the organisation and become a nationwide youth movement, while rejecting allegations of foreign funding ahead of talks with the Centre.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "This is not a protest of one person, or CJP alone. It has become a youth movement."

Responding to allegations of foreign funding, Dipke said, "If the government thinks we are foreign funded, they have all the agencies -- CBI, ED -- and they can all investigate. Why are they engaging in such childish things?"

CJP leader Saurav Das added, "If we are foreign funded, why are they engaging with us?"

On petitions related to the protests, Dipke said the judiciary should ensure that PILs were not used as political tools.

"The background of people filing PILs needs to be checked. We are requesting the judiciary not to let PILs become political tools. Stand with the young people of the country. Please don't let your orders be politicised. We saw how Sonam sir was picked up in bedsheets like a dead body citing an order based on a PIL," he said.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying his life and health were important for the country.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "I welcome the decision of Sonam Wangchuk ji to call off his anshan. His life and health is v imp for the nation."

He also appealed to people to join the nationwide protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saying, "As CJP has declared nationwide protests today, I urge everyone to participate in it."

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday questioned activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike in the presence of Union ministers, alleging that the Centre was trying to suppress and take credit for the protest movement.

"The movement of 26 days inspired the youth and ordinary citizens of the country to come out on the streets. The same government against which the protest was held had its two ministers present when the hunger strike was ended. This raises several questions," Raut said.

He asked what assurances were given by the government to Wangchuk and said the details should be made public.

Raut said the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was one of the main demands of the protest. "If this demand has not been fulfilled, then what was the reason for ending the hunger strike?" he questioned.

He alleged that the government was trying to protect Dharmendra Pradhan and also raised concerns over the death of a student and injuries sustained by several others during police action.

"If Wangchuk had to end his hunger strike, it would have been more appropriate if he had done so by drinking juice at the hands of injured students or fellow protesters. That would have respected the spirit of the movement," Raut said.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders on Friday reiterated that their demands remained "non-negotiable" ahead of the scheduled meeting with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club of India.

CJP leaders, including Saurav Das and Abhijeet Dipke, told HT the delegation would meet the ministers at 12.30 pm but maintained that the protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

The leaders said they had been informed that both JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh would attend the meeting, adding that the party's demands were "non-negotiable."

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday said the Opposition would jointly raise the alleged use of pellet guns against students during the July 20 police action on the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose claimed evidence had emerged showing security forces used pellet guns against unarmed student protesters.

"Horrifying brutality by the Narendra Modi regime. Proof has now emerged that security forces did fire deadly pellet guns – which can result in blindness – on our unarmed and vulnerable children protesting on the streets and pleading for an accountable examination system," Ghose said in a post on X.

Announcing the Opposition's strategy, she said, "A united opposition will protest in Parliament today against police brutality on unarmed students, NEET examination disaster, and tragic student suicides."

Reacting to Ghose's remarks, TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien said, "It's now way beyond just dropping a minister. Won't do. The prime minister and the home minister must be held accountable."

The alleged use of pellet guns during the July 20 police action has become a political flashpoint after photographs, videos and medical records surfaced showing pellet injuries to some protesters. While Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns, Opposition parties have demanded a discussion on the issue in Parliament.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit back at Delhi University's advisory asking students to stay away from protests at Jantar Mantar, accusing the institution of threatening students for exercising their democratic rights.

Responding to the university's post on X, Gandhi wrote, "How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?"

He added, "Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes."

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Police on Friday dismissed social media claims that a woman police officer lost her unborn child during the Jantar Mantar protest, calling the reports "completely false and misleading."

In a post on X, Delhi Police said the viral photographs were taken after the officer sustained injuries in a stampede-like situation during the protest.

The police clarified that the officer "is neither married nor pregnant and is currently under medical supervision."

Appealing to the public not to circulate unverified claims, Delhi Police said, "Please do not share or amplify unverified information. Rely only on official updates."

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has issued an advisory asking students, faculty and other stakeholders to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, citing Supreme Court directions on public demonstrations.

"All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct.

You are also encouraged to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship," the advisory read.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on Friday said the protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, despite the government's outreach to the protesters.

Addressing reporters, Ranka said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late-night video message showed that the government was under pressure and argued that the "strictest action" would be Pradhan's removal.

"We want to make it very clear that until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, the protest at Jantar Mantar will continue. At 12.30 am, the PM had to release a video, which means the pressure is high," he said.

Ranka added, "The PM said that he will take very strict action. The strictest action can only be removing Dharmendra Pradhan; then we will believe you are serious about the youth of India."

He also said the CJP delegation was scheduled to meet Union minister JP Nadda at the Constitution Club of India (CCI) at 12.30 pm. (ANI)

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: A 21-year-old woman injured during the recent protest-related incident is showing clinical improvement and remains in stable condition, according to a health bulletin issued by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital on Friday.

The hospital said the patient, who was admitted in a critical condition, was successfully extubated nearly 48 hours ago and is now breathing on her own. She is conscious and responding appropriately to commands.

According to the bulletin, she continues to receive comprehensive critical care under the close supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon on Friday amid continued protests by Opposition parties over the NEET paper leak issue.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: The Union Cabinet will meet at 1 pm on Friday at Parliament, ANI reported.