CJP Protest LIVE: PM Modi ‘India’s past, students’ future’, says Rahul Gandhi ahead of 3rd round of talks

Delhi Police on Saturday said it has identified more than 400 Pakistan-linked social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading misinformation related to the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar. DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh said the investigation found that these accounts were circulating AI-generated content, deepfake videos, edited images and other misleading material. He also referred to a video shared by a politician claiming that the Centre was preparing a crackdown on protesters, saying the post created fear and confusion among the public. Police clarified that no such operation was being planned and urged people not to rely on unverified claims.

The DCP added that Delhi Police, in coordination with other agencies, has been working to trace and block accounts involved in spreading false information. Among the misleading posts identified was a claim that a woman had died due to police action during the July 20 protest. Singh said the claim was false and reiterated that no deaths were reported during the protest, urging the public to verify information before sharing it online.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Saurav Das has accused the Delhi Police of unlawfully detaining, intimidating and preventing people from reaching the protest site at Jantar Mantar. In a post on X, Das urged the police to immediately stop such actions, alleging that citizens were being obstructed from exercising their democratic right to participate in the protest.

He further called on the Delhi Police to refrain from creating what he described as an “atmosphere of fear and siege” around Jantar Mantar. The post urged the authorities to ensure that protesters and members of the public are allowed to reach the site without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday appealed to the Centre to ensure that food is allowed to reach students protesting at Jantar Mantar, urging the government to adopt a more humane approach. In a post on X, Sibal asked the authorities not to prevent eateries from supplying food, shut down internet services or harass people travelling to the protest site, saying such measures would only worsen the situation.

Sibal cautioned that restrictive actions could further intensify the protests rather than resolve them. Stressing that political power is temporary, he urged the government to respond with compassion and restraint instead of imposing measures that could deepen public anger over the ongoing agitation.

DCP Central Rohit Rajbir Singh says, “In line with the Government of India’s commitment to combat paper leaks and irregularities in various competitive exams, the Delhi Police has formed a Special Task Force within the Crime Branch. This team will be led by a DCP-level officer and supervised by the Special CP, Crime.”

DMK MP Kanimozhi on Saturday reiterated her party’s long-standing demand for the abolition of NEET, arguing that recent developments had reinforced Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the examination. She said the state’s position has always been that NEET should be scrapped, claiming the exam has failed to promote equitable access to education. While acknowledging that protesters across the country are seeking accountability and fair examinations, Kanimozhi said Tamil Nadu’s demand goes further by calling for the complete abolition of NEET alongside action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak.

Kanimozhi also criticised the Tamil Nadu government for what she described as its failure to support protesting students, saying the demand to ban NEET has long resonated across the state. She alleged that students had faced threats and attacks in some places and questioned why the state government was not standing with them. Drawing a comparison with the situation in Delhi, she said she saw little difference in the response to student protests and urged students to question the government’s approach.

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar said, “Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation from the Union Cabinet is the only solution. This is the demand of the entire nation. Not only that of CJP or any other political outfit, this has become the common demand of all fighting Indians. Some of them are on the streets, some of them are sitting at home, but all are united in demanding his resignation. The Government of India, especially the Prime Minister, should understand the mood of the nation.”

Liquor shops across Delhi will operate with reduced timings over the weekend, closing at 8 PM instead of the usual 10 PM, as the Delhi government has imposed precautionary restrictions in view of the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar. According to Delhi government officials, the decision has been taken based on inputs from Delhi Police, which flagged the need for additional preventive measures to maintain law and order in the central Delhi area. Officials said the temporary change in operating hours is aimed at preventing any untoward incidents during the protest period.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said he has been diagnosed with typhoid but asserted that his health condition would not deter the movement. In a post on X, Dipke said the protest would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, reaffirming the group’s commitment to its primary demand despite his illness.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed solidarity with students and youth protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, accusing the system of targeting them instead of addressing their concerns. Speaking to protesters, Gandhi said they should not be intimidated by the government’s actions, asserting that no amount of state power could force them to abandon their movement or their demand for accountability.

He also declared that the Opposition would continue to stand with the students, saying the government could resort to threats or pressure but the movement would not back down. Drawing a sharp political contrast, Gandhi said the protesting youth represent “India’s future,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents “India’s past,” adding that the future cannot be defeated by the past.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that discussions were underway within the Union government about shifting Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to another portfolio amid the ongoing row over the alleged NEET paper leak. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi said information reaching the Opposition suggested that such a proposal was being considered within Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet.

Gandhi, however, rejected the idea of a cabinet reshuffle as a solution, asserting that merely transferring Pradhan to another ministry would not address students’ concerns. Reiterating the Opposition’s stand, he said the students of India were demanding accountability and insisted that Dharmendra Pradhan “must be sacked,” calling his removal from the Union Cabinet the only acceptable course of action.

At least 130 police personnel and around 65 students were injured during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march organised as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests, Delhi Police sources said. According to the sources, 15 FIRs have been registered in connection with the demonstrations, while nearly 3,000 police personnel remain deployed in and around Jantar Mantar, where an average of 10,000 people are gathering each day. Police also said Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras are being used to identify anti-social elements entering the protest site, with more than 2,000 people with criminal records identified so far.

The July 20 protest escalated after tens of thousands of demonstrators marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament under the “Sansad Chalo” call. Police erected barricades and responded with tear gas and lathi-charge after clashes broke out, leaving dozens injured on both sides. The action sparked widespread political criticism and legal challenges alleging excessive use of force, while Delhi Police maintained that anti-social elements were responsible for stone-pelting and inciting violence during the protest.

The first FIR registered in connection with the July 20 violence near Parliament has invoked attempt to murder charges, along with multiple other serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to details of an FIR accessed by ANI.The FIR was registered at Kartavya Path Police Station on the complaint of an Inspector posted at the police station and pertains to the violence that took place on Rafi Marg, near Rail Bhavan and close to Parliament.According to the complaint, the Inspector was deployed from 5:00 am at C-Hexagon, Zone-11 (Pink Booth). After receiving a wireless message, the police team reached the barricades near the Rail Bhavan roundabout, where thousands of protesters had assembled.

India’s youth-led “Cockroach” protest movement has expanded beyond the streets and onto social media, using memes, parody videos and satire to amplify its campaign over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for education reforms. What began as a protest over examination scandals has evolved into a wider movement questioning government accountability, with young demonstrators turning police chases, protest preparations and political messaging into viral online content. Protesters have also mocked television coverage, adopted influencer-style videos and used pop culture references to connect with a younger audience, saying humour has become both a coping mechanism and a powerful form of political expression.

The movement has increasingly directed its satire at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose political image has long been shaped by his strong social media presence. Protesters have created parody edits of his speeches and online videos, arguing that they are using the same digital platforms and communication style that helped build his public image. According to participants quoted by the Associated Press, memes and short-form content reflect how younger generations consume information and have helped transform a campaign centred on the alleged paper leak into a broader youth movement demanding accountability from the government.

Government sources on Saturday said several social media links containing an AI-generated deepfake video of Union Minister Piyush Goyal have been taken down after the clip allegedly spread misinformation by manipulating his remarks made to the media outside Parliament. The action comes after Goyal claimed his original comments were “maliciously” altered and circulated online.

The Union Minister said the doctored video falsely portrayed his statements and announced that he had lodged a police complaint seeking action against those responsible. Authorities are now examining the matter as concerns grow over the misuse of AI-generated deepfake content to spread misinformation on social media.

BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal urges youths to end protest over paper leak. He says, “PM Modi’s video message got a huge response from youths and he took their suggestions, NTA officials terminated.”

Delhi Police has identified more than 2,500 people with criminal antecedents through the Facial Recognition System (FRS) deployed around the Jantar Mantar protest site, police sources said. According to officials, four FRS units have been installed at key entry and exit points and are linked to the Delhi Police database to detect wanted criminals, absconders, history-sheeters and “Bad Characters” (BCs) who may attempt to infiltrate the protest and disrupt law and order. The system is monitored in real time, allowing officers to verify identities within seconds and alert the concerned police units for immediate action.

Police sources said the technology is aimed at strengthening security without inconveniencing ordinary protesters. Officials added that the high-resolution cameras can capture facial images from a distance and help identify habitual offenders already listed in police records. They also noted that the FRS serves both preventive and investigative purposes and has previously been deployed during major public events, including Republic Day, Independence Day, Holi, Diwali, Eid and Ramlila celebrations, as part of Delhi Police’s security arrangements.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday said the group wants a clear “yes or no” from the Central government on whether it will seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ahead of a scheduled meeting with the government later in the day. Speaking to news agency ANI amid the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak issue, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the meeting was expected to take place between 3.30 pm and 4 pm, though the venue had not been finalised.

A day after ending his 26-day hunger strike, activist Sonam Wangchuk continues to remain under close medical supervision as he recovers from the prolonged fast. In a health update, the hospital said Wangchuk has begun a medically supervised liquid diet, with doctors closely monitoring his condition and recovery.

Wangchuk called off his fast after receiving a written assurance from the Union government on reforms to India’s competitive examination system. His decision came after nearly four weeks of protest in support of students raising concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak and the need for systemic changes in the examination process.

Main accused of Maharashtra TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) paper leak, Bijendra Kumar Gupta, arrested from Bihar by Bhiwandi Police. He has been brought to Pune Airport from where he will be taken to Bhiwandi: Bhiwandi Police

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the Centre over restrictions imposed during the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, accusing the government of clamping down on students instead of addressing the root cause. In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that authorities had shut metro services, blocked roads, closed shops, disrupted internet access and restricted food supplies to suppress the protests, but said the government had failed to stop “paper leaks,” calling it the real issue that needed accountability.

Central Delhi roads were thrown out of gear as the CJP protest led to barricading, diversions and heavy security near Parliament and Jantar Mantar. Major stretches including Ashoka Road, Parliament Street, Raisina Road, Janpath, Motilal Nehru Marg and Rafi Marg saw slow-moving traffic, while congestion also spilled over to Connaught Place, ITO and adjoining corridors.

Youth, under the aegis of AISA (All India Students’ Association), block Samastipur-Patna main road as part of the call for state-wide shutdown today over NEET paper leak issue and Police action during student protest in the state. They are also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Delhi witnessed massive security restrictions ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, with police blocking key approach roads, shutting 18 Delhi Metro stations and issuing a traffic advisory to commuters. Cab services were also unavailable or severely affected in parts of central Delhi, as authorities tightened security around the protest venue, urging people to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on Saturday reiterated that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains the movement’s primary and non-negotiable demand. In a post on X, Ranka said there was little purpose in continuing talks with the Centre if the government had already decided against seeking Pradhan’s resignation.

Ashutosh Ranka asserted that if the government’s position was a firm “no”, further discussions would be meaningless. His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between CJP representatives and the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak, with the party maintaining that fixing accountability at the highest level is essential alongside broader reforms to the examination system.

In a significant move to ensure transparency of competitive tests, the Delhi Police on Friday constituted a Special Task Force (STF) within its Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and other examination-related offences. The new unit has been formed with the approval of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, and will operate under the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.According to Delhi Police, the STF is mandated to conduct “prompt, professional, and comprehensive investigations” into offences pertaining to public examinations. These include the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), National Testing Agency (NTA), and various central government ministries or departments of the Central Government and their attached and subordinate offices for recruitment of staff.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has dismissed allegations that he struck a “deal” with the Centre to end his 26-day hunger strike, asserting that his decision came only after receiving a written assurance on the NEET issue and broader examination reforms. He maintained that there was no compromise and said he had insisted on a formal written commitment before calling off the protest.

Wangchuk also revealed that concerns over a possible crackdown on protesters influenced his decision to end the fast. Drawing parallels with the 2025 firing on youths in Ladakh, he said he feared a similar situation could unfold in Delhi and wanted to ensure that students participating in the protest were not exposed to violence or confrontation.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the temporary closure of 18 metro stations from 7:30 am on Saturday (July 25) until further notice as part of security arrangements. The affected stations include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, Jhandewalan and New Delhi.

Despite the closures, the DMRC said interchange facilities will remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to switch between metro lines. The metro operator expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and said the stations will remain closed until further instructions are issued.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has accused the Uttar Pradesh Police of targeting one of its volunteers, Mohd Junaid, alleging that he is being harassed despite serving food and water to people during the ongoing protests. In a post on X, the party claimed that instead of focusing on criminals, the police were wasting resources by pursuing Junaid and allegedly harassing his family in Uttar Pradesh.

The party said its legal and support teams were in constant touch with Junaid and asserted that it would not allow him or his family to be victimised. CJP further accused the government of using state machinery to suppress dissent, stating that it would challenge every alleged illegal action by the police in court and would not be intimidated by such measures.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, slammed the “brutality” of the Centre and the Delhi Police during the July 20 student protests in the national capital. He noted that in the current era, children protesting for their rights receive “pellets” instead of “justice.”In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi shared a video featuring a youth who was reportedly beaten by the Delhi Police during Monday’s protests against paper leaks.”Sahil was standing with the Tricolour in his hand, merely asking for a clean, fair exam and the fruit of his hard work–the police raised a gun and badly injured him by firing pellets. This is not British tyranny; it is the brutality of the Modi government in independent India–where innocent students demanding their rights receive pellets instead of justice,” the post read.