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

CJP protest today updates: Demonstrators holding Indian national flags take part in a protest rally in Mumbai on July 24, 2026 in solidarity with the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of the country's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET examination irregularities.

CJP protest: The Congress is set to stage another protest in central Delhi today over the NEET paper leak issue and the police action on student protesters. The Opposition has asked its district leaderships across the country to organise candle marches and satyagrahas, HT has learnt. The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to urgently hear a petition challenging the Centre's decision to suspend internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar.

The Constitution Club of India hosted discussions between the government and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) today. Chief spokesperson Saurav Das attended the meeting.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told HT their demands were “non-negotiable”. Repeating their key demand, Dipke said, "Our demand is clear. Even in my dreams now I hear -- 'Dharmendra Pradhan istifa do.'"

Students from DU, Jamia detained

Over 25 students were detained by Delhi Police late Thursday night while heading to Jantar Mantar with protest posters, HT has learnt. The students, including one from Jamia Millia Islamia and another from Delhi University, were taken to Lodhi Colony police station.

Police told HT the action was preventive in nature and taken under the Delhi Police Act for allegedly attempting to join an unlawful assembly.

Sonam Wangchuk ends fast

Activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday night at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

He said his decision followed prolonged negotiations and appeals from lawmakers across party lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Wangchuk a speedy recovery. “I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors' advice and regain her old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Lord that Sonam ji remains healthy,” he wrote on X.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke also welcomed Wangchuk's decision and called his fast an act of “extraordinary courage and sacrifice.”

The protests at Jantar Mantar would go on until education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, he said.

Metro stations closed on July 25

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday said 18 metro stations will remain closed for entry and exit from 7:30 am on July 25 until further orders. The affected stations are -

1. Lok Kalyan Marg

2. Rajiv Chowk

3. Patel Chowk

4. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg

5. Barakhambha Road

6. Supreme Court

7. Seva Teerth

8. Janpath

9. Mandi House

10. Central Secretariat

11. ITO

12. Delhi Gate

13. Indraprastha

14. Khan Market

15. Jor Bagh

16. Shivaji Stadium

17. Jhandewalan

18. New Delhi

The DMRC said interchange facilities will continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations.

DMRC alos added, Train services on Airport Express Line shall only be available between Dhaula Kuan and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.

Why are people protesting at Jantar Mantar?

The protests, led by the CJP, demand Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leaks, irregularities in the exam system and student suicides.

The CJP's demands

In their official account on X, the front listed:

1. Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

2. ₹1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.

3. No prosecution of peaceful protesters.

4. All police officials involved in committing atrocities must be prosecuted.