Former Union Minister Sharad Pawar on Saturday (July 25, 2026) described Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation from his post over the NEET paper leak row as a “major victory of the youth power” in the country.

“The struggle and determination shown by the youth over 28 consecutive days at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in the NEET paper leak case is truly commendable,” Mr. Pawar said in a statement.

“In response to the insistent demand of the protesters, the Union Education Minister has finally resigned today. This fight, which was firmly against oppression without fear and forced the government to accept moral responsibility against injustice, is a symbol of the power of democracy. This is a major victory for the unity of the youth power in the country,” he said.

- PTI

Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said celebrates Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as a victory for India’s youth.

“Your power forced the incompetent, corrupt, and guilty Dharmendra Pradhan to resign! This is a victory of the people, a win for all those who fought for accountability in our system,” said Mr. Venugopal.

“Since the moment the NEET paper leaked, the Congress and especially Rahul Gandhi has been demanding his resignation. In a united fashion, the Opposition was spearheading this protest with a common demand for accountability,” he said.

“Our other demands are: the punishment of those who attacked our students and an apology from the PM for the atrocities faced by the students,” he added. 

The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday warned the central government against “suppressing” the voices of students and young protesters, saying “if you stop the movement, it will grow across the country”.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai demanded that police immediately release all student leaders arrested in Patna and Gujarat protesting the NEET exams. There was no immediate response from BJP on the matter.

“The central government is trying to suppress the movement by using police and arresting the youth leaders protesting. While on one hand, the BJP government says they want to resolve this by talking, in reality protestors are being arrested in Gujarat,” Mr. Rai said, addressing a press conference.

“If you do this and stop the movement, it will grow across the country. These actions show that the BJP government are trying to stop this movement by suppressing their voices,” he said.

- PTI

The Cockroach Janta Party posted a video of Abhijeet Dipke celebrating after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

A status check of the Cockroach Janta Party’s demands reveals that Dharmedra Pradhan has resigned, but that compensation and an apology are still pending amid the ongoing protests.

As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, saying he has sent his resignation to PM Modi, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says, “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. This is the proof that if you don’t get scared, if you don’t bow down in front of this government, you can take anyone’s resignation. Don’t be scared in democracy.”

- PTI

In the letter, Mr. Pradhan stated that in order to avoid “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the nation, and “so that the unity of the country remains intact, so that the future of no student in India gets tangled in legal complexities, and so that our children spend their time studying and focusing on building their careers”, he has decided to quit from his position.

“The events of the past 10 days have saddened me. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me... It is my resolve that we will not allow the country’s youth power to become trapped in a web of confusion. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces... Keeping these considerations in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister,” he said.

- ANI

In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Pradhan highlighted his long-standing association with education and reaffirmed his commitment to the aspirations of India’s youth.

“For more than four decades, I have been associated with students, teachers, and the cause of education reform. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking education system is the foundation of a strong nation,” Mr. Pradhan said.

Recalling the NEET-UG controversy, stated that the Centre acted promptly after irregularities surfaced in the May 3 examination.

“However, irregularities were found in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognisance of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, and announced a date for the re-examination. Along with this, it was decided that from next year onwards, the examination would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode,” he added.

- ANI

In his resignation letter, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that he took responsibility for the NEET paper leak since day one.

“From day one, I took responsibility for this and never turned my back on the situation. My resolve was that we will not let the future of any meritorious student be ruined by exam mafias, nor will we allow injustice to happen to any student,” Mr. Pradhan said.

“I have always maintained unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not merely the future of India but also the bearers, creators, and architects of a new and developed India. Looking at the sequence of events over the past 10 days, my heart is deeply pained. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” he added.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ‌said ‌on ‌Saturday (July 25, 2026) ⁠he ⁠had resigned from ‌his post after youth protests calling ⁠for ‌him to ‌quit.

BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday (July 25, 2026) said examination paper leaks were not just a case of corruption but a reflection of a deeper “culture of shortcuts”.

He also took exception to the tone and language used during protests over the NEET paper leak.

In a post on X, Mr. Chandrasekhar said, “Exam leaks are a crime. What factors or who are the people who encourage and foster this? This is the real question we should be asking and seeking answers for.” 

“I am glad that the issue of examination leaks is being debated openly. We must continue this debate (in an informed and civil manner) till the ecosystem that enables this and the culture that encourages and feeds exam leaks are addressed comprehensively,” he added.

- PTI

Actor Jyotika shared a note on her social media on Saturday (July 25, 2026) as she extended support to the protesting students and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Ms. Jyotika shared a post on her Instagram handle and said she stands for accountability. “Step down Dharmendra Pradhan. Resign. I stand with the students... I stand with accountability. I stand for a democratic India! I stand for reformed education. Sonam Wangchuk. Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das, as mothers, we want to raise our children to be like you. Proud of you Gen Z’s,” she wrote.

- PTI

Saroj Giri speaks to us about the student protests over exam paper leaks and whether they represent a new political challenge for the government

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (July 24, 2026) stressed that the biggest challenge before families today is connecting with the younger generation through dialogue rather than authority, asserting that “today’s youth need discussion, not dictation.”

Mr. Bhagwat was speaking at an event organised under the banner of Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, an organisation “focused on empowered motherhood, cultural harmony and universal wellbeing”, as per its website.

The Cockoach Janta Party (CJP) has called for a nationwide candle march on Sunday evening (July 26, 2026), in solidarity with victims of police brutality during July 20 march to Parliament.

“Student unions and other organisations should collaborate and work together for permission and logistics,” the post read.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video on YouTube late Friday night (July 24, 2026), recounting his experience over the past few days and sharing a clip of what transpired as he was leaving the Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court allowed him to be shifted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

However, the Safdarjung Hospital has said that the video was recorded before its administration received the written order of the Delhi High Court.

In the video, Mr. Wangchuk could be seen getting into a confrontation with a security person at the Safdarjung Hospital, alleging that he was being prevented from leaving the premises. He can be heard saying that the authorities should either arrest him or allow him to leave.

“It is pertinent to note that Mr Wangchuk was handed over to the team of doctors from Medanta Gurugram on the same day at 6:40 pm, immediately after the written order was received by the hospital,” the hospital said.

PTI

A Ghaziabad resident volunteering at the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest against alleged paper leaks at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has alleged that police detained his family members in Ghaziabad and harassed his relatives in Meerut because of his role in the agitation.

Mohammad Junaid, a volunteer providing free food and drinking water to protesters, told mediapersons at Jantar Mantar on Friday that UP Police took away his family members and seized their bank passbooks and PAN cards during a raid at his house.

According to his family, police from Ghaziabad’s Masoori police station reached their residence in Nahal village on Thursday evening (July 23, 2026) and searched the premises. They alleged that Mr. Junaid’s father, Mustafa, was taken away by the police and that bank passbooks and PAN cards belonging to family members were also taken.

His sister told the media that police asked her father to call Mr. Junaid and ask him to return home. Mr. Junaid also alleged that the police also harassed his relatives in the neighbouring Meerut district.

However, Meerut Police denied carrying out any action against Mr. Junaid’s family.

PTI

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday (July 25, 2026) condemned the Delhi Police, on what they termed as, “increasingly authoritarian actions in and around Jantar Mantar”.

They demanded that the Police “immediately cease and desist from unlawfully detaining, intimidating or preventing citizens from reaching Jantar Mantar and refrain from creating an atmosphere of fear”.

The statement comes amid security being stepped up in areas of Delhi in view of the CJP-led protest seeing increased turnout over the weekend.

Stating the third demand, Rahul Gandhi said the “leader of the entire machinery” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to apologise to the students for the lack of accountability and for the police “brutality” on them.

“The one who is making videos during the nights. He said very good suggestions came in, but has nothing to do with it. The students have nothing to do with the suggestions, they want Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal. So the main in-charge person, Mr. Modi, has to apologise for attacking and disrespecting them,” he told reporters.

The second demand, Mr. Gandhi said, the “implementors and organisers” of the brutality on students via lathi charge and batons during the July 20 march to Parliament must be held accountable.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, talking to reporters in New Delhi, stated that moving Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to another Ministry is not acceptable to the protesting students.

Talking to reporters alongside three student protesters, Mr. Gandhi reiterated their three demands amid the ongoing agitation over the NEET paper ‘leak’ issue. One of the three with him was Neha, the national president of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), the students wing of the ​CPI(ML) Liberation​, who broke her fast on July 20.

“The Education Minister who is corrupt, imcompetent and misaligned has to be sacked. There is some talk going on, we get information from the government, in PM Modi’s Cabinet that the solution is to remove Mr. Pradhan from Education and move him to another Ministry. It is not acceptable to anybody... He has to be sacked. Period,” he said.

CPI(M) leader P.A. Mohamed Riyas on Saturday (July 25, 2026) criticised Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, accusing him of spreading “political lies” and failing to take a strong stand in support of the protest by the CJP and students in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Riyas said that when Mr. Satheesan took part in the agitation outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in Delhi, he did not utter a word in support of the protest by the CJP and students against alleged irregularities in various examinations, including NEET.

The CPI(M) leader also alleged that Mr. Satheesan did not respond to the “brutal attacks” on protesting students by police in Delhi.

He accused the Kerala CM of displaying “double standards” on the issue, alleging that Kerala police were registering cases against those holding protests or programmes in support of the CJP-led agitation in Delhi.

- PTI

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka has alleged that the Delhi Police are stopping protesters from reaching the Jantar Mantar protest site.

Sharing screenshots of anonymous messages, he said: “Do whatever you want to. You cannot stop people from coming to Jantar Mantar. You cannot stop people from having food. You cannot stop people from helping us.”

The messages also mentioned that the Delhi Police are visiting restaurants and threatening them for sending large orders to the protest site.

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The Police “are everywhere” and they decide who may or may not meet activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is still recovering at Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital after breaking his indefinite fast, his wife Gitanjali Angmo alleged on Saturday (july 25, 2026).

“If the Court has clarified that he is not under detention, then under what authority is this happening?” she questioned in a post on X.

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“If Modi ji is making reels at night, it shows there is turbulence in the system. Make reels after you take ‘strict actions’ as you said and make Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Even we will share them,” CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka said, adding that the government has now begun to speak to the students.

Security arrangements have been intensified further across the national capital ahead of the weekend, with Delhi Police installing additional layers of barricades at key locations and reinforcing them with heavy-duty chains to prevent attempts to breach security cordons, officials said on Saturday (July 25, 2026).

“Extra layers of barricading have been put in place at the vulnerable points, which have been chained together and welded so that they cannot be dismantled or shifted easily. Additional force will also be deployed to maintain law and order,” a police officer said.

Apart from physical barricading, surveillance and security measures have also been enhanced across the city.

PTI

On Congress MP Imran Masood’s “Anna part two” and “personal deal with the government” remarks for Sonam Wangchuk, CJP Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said: “We don’t know what Congress is thinking. But they have done a lot, they have also done negotiations that there should not be a legal case and they should get a compensation. It is not right to question Sonam ji.”

ANI

Kolkata Police has registered six cases, including five on attack on media persons, in connection with the violence at Esplanade on Friday (July 24, 2026). 

Thousands of people had participated in a march from Sealdah to Esplanade in Kolkata in support of students protesting in Delhi.

Eighteen Delhi Metro stations in central Delhi remained closed for the fourth straight day on Saturday (July 25, 2026) due to security concerns amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest near the Jantar Mantar, officials said.

According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the stations remain closed from 7.30 am until further instructions. However, interchange facilities will be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations.

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The number of FIRs by the Delhi Police against the protesters of the July 20 march to Parliament has increased to 13, authorities said on Saturday morning (July 25, 2026).

THB

“Have been diagnosed with typhoid, but the fight will go on until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns!” Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said in a video message on Saturday morning (July 25, 2026).

A 28-year-old journalist with Outlook, among those injured in the July 20 protest, said knew something was off when he saw an officer deployed on law and order duty at the Statesman House near Jantar Mantar fire his weapon. “There was a lot of crowd, and I saw an officer lift a gun. People started running around and dispersing. I was conscious, but there was a lot of pain,” said the journalist who did not wish to be identified.

Later that day, he got a tetanus shot but realised the severity of the injuries only the next day.

A day after Delhi University (DU) issued a similar advisory, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia issued advisories asking students to “refrain from participating” in gatherings in and around Jantar Mantar, adding that violations may invite legal consequences as well as disciplinary action.

CPIML Liberation said in a statemnet on Friday (July 24), “CPI(ML) CCM Kumar Parvez and AISA leader Divyam have also been arrested by the Bihar Police ahead of the July 25 Bihar Bandh in solidarity with the student-youth movement. Earlier, CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh, Dhananjay, former JNUSU President, and AISA leaders Dipankar and Saba were arrested.” 

All India Students’ Association (AISA) called for a Bihar Bandh on July 25, 2026, against police lathi-charge on the students in Patna on July 22.

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Cockroach Janta Party’s National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says, “They had given us the time for 3.30-4 p.m. today. The location has not been finalised yet. Discussions are very clear. We should get written confirmation for the two demands on which there has been in-principle agreement. So that they can be closed. We need clarity over Dharmendra Pradhan - whether they will seek his resignation or not. We want an answer in Yes or No because there is not much scope for deliberation over this.”

Protest marches and dharnas were witnessed in several districts of Bihar on Friday (July 24, 2026) by the students and locals demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET paper leak.

As the crowd continues to swell at Jantar Mantar, the Delhi Police have deployed powerful cameras and at least three mobile surveillance vans around the venue. The devices continuously capture live images and run them past a police database to identify and isolate people with criminal records.

Disability rights organisations, doctors’ groups, individuals, and concerned citizens have condemned the apparent use of pellet guns and electric shock weapons against protesters during the ‘ Chalo Sansad’ march in the national capital on July 20. The incident allegedly occurred in the youth-led protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over examination paper leaks.

Read the full story here,

A video clip recorded on July 21, at Safdarjung Hospital shows, the Hospital administration and police attempting to stop Sonam Wangchuk as he tried to leave for Medanta Hospital, even though Delhi High Court allowed him to be shifted to Medanta, Gurugram. - Vijaita Singh

CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says, “...Yesterday’s meeting yielded a positive response regarding compensation and legal matters. An in-principle agreement was reached. We hope to receive that return agreement today as well. But no concrete decision has ever been made regarding the main demand, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. In fact, what we saw yesterday on mainstream media was that sources were saying that Pradhan will not resign. If Pradhan does not resign, then let us know; then there is no point in this kind of meeting. We will work on our future strategy... If the government continues this way, then we will be forced to opt for the tough stance.”- ANI

Criticising new traffic advisory issued by Delhi Traffic police on Friday (July 24), CJP’s Sourav Das said, “The government wants to LAY SIEGE to Jantar Mantar! It wants to restrict and stop food delivery, water delivery, sanitation facilities, medical treatment, power lines, and people’s movement to the site!”

Thousands of people continued to turn up at the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday (July 24), even as the restrictions around the authorities closed the entry and exit gates at 18 metro stations, two more than were closed the previous day. Internet services remained suspended at Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg and parts of central Delhi for the third consecutive day.

The protest’s momentum appeared undimmed despite the restrictions.

Read the story here,

After being criticised by several social media users for ending his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers, activist Sonam Wangchuk released a long video message on Friday (July 24, 2026) where he asserted that he “did not cut any deal” with the government and ended the fast as he feared a crackdown against students and protestors at Jantar Mantar.

Read the story here,

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said setting up fast-track courts for trial in paper leak cases would be a significant step towards ensuring justice to every hard-working student.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.

In her first comment over the issue, Ms. Gupta said on X that protecting students’ interests and ensuring a bright future for the youth are the highest priorities of the government

- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked everyone for the responses and positive suggestions received to his video, where he announced the government’s decision to bring a strict law to punish those involved in paper leaks.

In the video message, PM Modi said that a new bill incorporating provisions for strong action against paper leaks will be introduced in the ongoing session of Parliament next week.

The draft bill, as announced by the prime minister in the Instagram video shared by him in the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, was approved by the Union Cabinet on Friday.

- PTI