CJP protest in Delhi LIVE: Govt reaches out to CJP amid raging protest; several injured, detained as police crack down

Following a meeting with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said he has “requested all the protesters to end their sit-in and assist the administration in restoring normalcy.”

In a post on X, Mr. Nadda said that the discussions began 11.50 a.m.

“The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere. An initial verbal discussion was held in detail with their delegation, and they submitted a written petition to me around 4 p.m.”

Delhi HC post for hearing on Tuesday the appeal filed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, seeking his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a hospital of his choice. 

Court said its immediate concern was to “save his life first” and sought clarity on Mr. Wangchuk’s current medical condition. It directed that all pathological reports from Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS and the private laboratory be placed on record. It also asked the doctors leading Mr. Wangchuk’s treatment at Safdarjung Hospital and his private physician to remain present at the next hearing.

-Soibam Rocky Singh

Delhi Police lobbed tear gas shells and wielded sticks on Parliament Street on Monday as thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament where MPs gathered for the first day of the Monsoon Session.- PTI

CJP reiterated their demand of resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan once again on Monday (July 20).​

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CJP spokesperson Sourav Das clarified that Abhijeet Dipke is not under arrest or detention currently.

Ashutosh Ranka, CJP spokesperson, said that Health Minister J.P. Nadda requested some time to align with BJP’s leadership with regards to CJP demands. Mr. Ranka wrote in his X post,” Nadda ji has requested some time to align with their leadership with regards to our following demands: 1) Immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk. 2) Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. 3) ₹1 Crore compensation for all NEET aspirants who died after the NEET-UG paper leak.

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CJP said in a post on X, that Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has been assaulted by police during CJP’s march to Parliament. CJP also stated that a child was also got hit by police.

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Protesters who were chased away from Rafi Marg poured into the India Gate lawns. Police motorcycles and vans drove on the lawns to chase them away.

Riots control vehicle deployed outside parliament as protesters were detained near Rail bhawan. Rail bhawan staff not allowed to come out of office as protesters gather outside.- Ishita Mishra

Cockroach Janta Party’s Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said that he has met with J.P. Nadda. “After waiting for more than 2 hours, Ashutosh Ranka and I just met J.P. Nadda ji at his residence for 10 minutes. While we submit a written letter with our demands, he has assured us that he will meanwhile speak internally. We are in that process. There is news of mass detention, etc.”, Mr. Das has posted on his X account.

Rafi Marg, leading to the Parliament, was barricaded by police on Monday (July 20). Students started a sit-in protest at Rafi Marg area, after which police detained them and cleared the area. The children who were chased away from Rafi Marg poured into the India Gate lawns. Police motorcycles and vans drove on the lawns to chase the protestors away.

– Sobhana K. Nair.

Posting a video of security forces taking firing positions in Parliament, CJP said in their X account, “Visuals from the Parliament have security forces taking firing positions. Please don’t shoot at our country’s youth. They’re not making any unreasonable demands. They just want accountability for students dying because of govt incompetence!”

Slamming the internet shutdown in Delhi, CJP said, “If you’re wondering why we are unable to share more updates from the ground – the cowardly authorities have shut down internet services in parts of the city. You can shut down the internet, but how will you close the eyes and ears of the protesters who will see and report to the world what’s going on in Delhi?”

Security is tightened outside Parliament, in view of the Monsoon session of Parliament, which has started today, and the CJP’s proposed protest march.

Protesters have reached the Press Club of India. The Indian Parliament is just at next intersection.

In a post on X, condemning the tear gas shelling on protesters near Parliament, CJP has said, “Is this a war zone? Why is the police resorting to tear gas assault on peaceful protesters?” Tagging PM Modi in the same post they said, “First your govt ignored this protest for a month and now when we are peacefully marching your govt is attacking us.”

Tear gas fired at protesters at Raisina Road, barely 200 metres from Parliament, after they have started marching towards Parliament. – Vijaita Singh

Tear gas shells fired near Press Club of India to disperse the crowd as people gathered in support of CJP’s Parliament March on Monday (July 20).- Sobhana K. Nair

Protesters marching toward Parliament from Sansad Marg side were stopped by security forces outside the Sansad Marg Police station. Security forces used batons to control the crowd. Few protesters who were injured and received first aid on site. – Srimansi Kaushik

Delhi Police has blocked Vikas Marg, ITO for vehicular movement. This is a key road, which connects ITO to central Delhi where Parliament and Jantar Mantar are located.- Vijaita Singh.

Security forces resorted to a baton-charge near Parliament Street after thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters allegedly tried to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament on Monday.

At around 11.25 a.m., protesters attempted to push through multiple barricades erected in the high-security zone, sources said.

A scuffle-like situation ensued, in which some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries, they said.

Around 10-15 protesters were said to have been detained, sources said.- PTI

The three All India Students’ Association (AISA) members Neha, Manish and Aameen ended their hunger strike on their 23rd day on Monday after appeal from the delegation led by parliamentarians Manoj Jha, Rajaram Singh, Amra Ram along with Dr. Yogendra Yadav, advocate Prashant Bhusan, Professor Atul Sood and actor Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi. 

Saying that the struggle will continue through other means, AISA in a statement said it will take up a month long campaign against Dharmendra Pradhan, NTA and NEP 2020 parallel to the Parliament session.- Suruchi Kumari

Thousands gather at Jantar Mantar despite heavy security and mobile internet shutdowns in parts of central Delhi. Police baton-charged protesters near Parliament Street and some were also detained.

Cockroach Janta Party’s spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka all set to meet Union Health Minister JP Nadda. ​​​

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CJP spokespersons en route to negotiations, “probably with a senior minister,” after barricades have been broken, CJP’s Saurav Das tells The Hindu- Aroon Deep

Activist Sonam Wangchuk wrote to the director of Safdarjung Hospital demanding his release on Monday (July 20). In the letter, he requested to be allowed to leave the hospital as his health parameters are good. He said that he could be released at least temporarily as he wants to join the Parliament March.

Government reaches out to the CJP team for talks. DCP, New Delhi Sachin Sharma is talking on Centre’s behalf with the CJP team. CJP members were initially offered talks with District Magistrate, then a Secretary to the Union Government and also Minister of State, which was rejected by the members, sources said. The CJP wants a dialogue with the Prime Minister or a Cabinet Minister, they have submitted a list of Ministers to the DCP, said sources- Vijaita Singh

Posting a video of police lathi-charging CJP protesters, CJP stated in their official account, “PM Modi tell your police to stand down. We are a democracy in case you have forgotten. The whole world is watching as you’re trying to crush a democratic and peaceful protest.”

Massive crowds—several thousand strong—gathered at Jantar Mantar as mobile internet was shut down in parts of central Delhi. Protesters had sporadic clashes with authorities, according to emerging visuals. Even as security forces tried to hold the crowds at bay, people gathered in batches of hundreds at the Jantar Mantar protest area and crowded Tolstoy Marg on the north end of the protest strip. CJP leaders appealed to protesters to demonstrate peacefully.

“India’s youth have shown that they’re not like the Gen Z of other countries,” said Gitanjali J. Angmo, activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, from the protest site stage. The speakers’ remarks were inaudible beyond just a hundred metres from the stage, as chanting crowds drowned out instructions from protest leaders and security forces’ loudspeakers alike. Crowds spilled in and out from a narrow entry point at Janpath, where traffic has been heavily restricted.- Aroon Deep

Delhi Police used sticks and batons to disperse hundreds of students and youth activists marching from Mandi House Metro Station towards Jantar Mantar in an attempt to reach the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest site on Monday (July 20), eyewitnesses said.

The protesters, including a large number of women, raised slogans against the Centre while proceeding towards Jantar Mantar. Heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel was seen in the area as police sought to prevent the march from advancing.

There was no immediate official statement from the police on the reported use of force or any detentions.- PTI

Saurav Das, chief spokesperson, Cockroach Janta Party, has been taken to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.- ANI

Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, says, ‘We will focus on this march. Three points are very important today. First, we will focus on conducting the march peacefully. Let us stay focused on the issue- the issue of education, which is a vital need for this country and remain vigilant.”- ANI

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Security intensified in Delhi ahead of Cockroach Janta Party’s “Chalo Sansad” march.

The health bulletin stated, “Shri Sonam Wangchuk continues to receive comprehensive medical care at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital. His vital parameters remain stable. Blood parameters continue to warrant close clinical observation. Mr. Wangchuk remains under continuous medical management and the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts. Based on the clinical assessment of the treating teams from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi, continued medical intervention and uninterrupted clinical monitoring remain necessary to ensure early detection and timely management of any potential complications.”- PTI ​

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In a video message ahead of CJP’s Parliament March, CJP spokesperson Sourav Das appealed to people to maintain calm and peace. “Please remain calm wherever you might be! The Police is making it hard for some of you with many Metro stations closed. Even if you’ve been stopped at certain points, remain calm and maintain peace. We will only win this with peace and love!”, CJP spokespersons have said.

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Chief of the Azad Samaj Party, Chandrashekhar Azad arrives at Jantar Mantar protest site ahead of Cockroach Janta Party’s “Chalo Sansad” march.- PTI

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Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has approached a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, challenging the single judge’s refusal to order the transfer of Mr. Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

The plea is likely to be mentioned before the court today.

-Rocky Soibam

Metro gates were seen closed as supporters of Sonam Wangchuk and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar.

Gates of Central Secretariat and Rajiv Chowk have been opened, and interchange facilities are available.

The rest of the stations will be opened as per further instructions, said DMRC officials.

Photo: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Film actress Shabana Azmi is seen arriving at Jantar Mantar to meet the protesters.

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Delhi Metro today announced the closure of Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations, ahead of the Parliament march, due to ‘security reasons’.

“Due to security reasons, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations have been closed till further instructions,” Delhi Metro Rail Corporation posted on X.

Interchange is allowed only at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat.

Film actor Prakash Raj is seen taking a rest at the protest site in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, with other protesters.

Delhi Police is on high alert ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Chalo Sansad” march today, with heavy deployment of personnel visible at every nook and corner around Jantar Mantar, Parliament and other key locations.

Authorities have also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in the New Delhi district.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma shared a public advisory on X yesterday, stating that “Delhi Police categorically clarifies that no permission has been sought or granted for any such protest march/procession.” The prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS (formerly Section 144 CrPC) is currently in effect in the New Delhi district, according to the DCP’s post.

“Accordingly, protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, with prior permission,” the post read.

The DCP warned that any person violating these prohibitory orders could face prosecution under Section 223 BNS and other applicable laws.

-PTI

A “wrecked” van has shown up near Jantar Mantar along with a lorry with stones, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said. The CJP plans to start their march to Parliament at 9 a.m. 

The All India Students’ Association (AISA), three members of whom are on the 23rd day of their hunger strike, said they would receive a delegation urging them to end their hunger strike.

-Aroon Deep

Sonam Wangchuk said that he will end his hunger strike on Monday (July 20, 2026) if the government is ready to take accountability for failures in the education system or the MPs are ready to take up the issue in the parliament.

In a post shared on his X handle, he said his health doesn’t permit him to participate in the Parliament march; the MPs of different parties should meet him at the Safdarjung Hospital to ensure that they will take up the issue of paper leaks in the Parliament.

He added that his freedom of speech and communication are restricted during his “illegal detention” at the Safdarjung Hospital.