The agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination entered a new phase on Thursday, with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rejecting the Union government's latest offer for talks, announcing nationwide protests on Friday, and receiving support from several opposition parties as demonstrations spread across the country.
The Union government made repeated appeals for dialogue, with Union minister Jitendra Singh saying the CJP had been invited for talks at least four times in the past 24 hours. He said discussions, led by Union Health Minister J P Nadda, could be held either at Nadda's residence or office and that the government was prepared to discuss the NEET issue and related concerns for as long as required.
However, the CJP maintained that any dialogue should take place only at a neutral venue and reiterated that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remained non-negotiable. The organisation also announced peaceful nationwide protests on July 24 under the slogan "Every district. One day. One demand."
PM announces fast-track courts; CJP says accountability still missing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the welfare and future of the country's youth remained the government's highest priority and announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.
The CJP welcomed the prime minister's response but said it failed to address the central issue of accountability or its demand for Pradhan's resignation. The organisation said the focus should be on preventing paper leaks rather than merely punishing those involved after they occur.
Parliament disrupted over demand for minister's resignation
The NEET issue dominated proceedings in both Houses of Parliament. The Congress moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha seeking a discussion on the alleged paper leak and the police action against students during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar. Opposition MPs staged protests inside Parliament, demanding Pradhan's resignation.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after Opposition parties insisted that the education minister resign before any discussion. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of avoiding a debate, saying the government was ready to hold discussions immediately without any preconditions.
Opposition leaders back students
Rahul Gandhi, along with MPs from the INDIA bloc, paid tribute at Gandhi Smriti to students who allegedly died by suicide over examination-related issues and expressed solidarity with those injured during recent protests. Gandhi accused the government of attempting to obstruct the march through barricades and restrictions but said such measures would not deter the Opposition from standing with students.
The Aam Aadmi Party also extended support to the nationwide protests, urging its workers to participate without carrying party flags or banners. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti joined the protest at Jantar Mantar, while BSP chief Mayawati appealed for dialogue to resolve the deadlock peacefully.
Security tightened as protests spread
Security remained heavy around Jantar Mantar, with mobile internet services suspended within a 1.5-km radius until midnight. Sixteen Delhi Metro stations remained closed, and Delhi Police denied claims that it planned a crackdown on the protest, rejecting allegations made by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
Police also began identifying those allegedly involved in violence using CCTV footage and other technical evidence, with officials indicating that passports of those directly involved in rioting could be cancelled under applicable legal provisions.
Earlier, stone-pelting near the protest site left two assistant commissioners of police and four other personnel injured. Police alleged that anti-social elements had infiltrated the protest, while the CJP accused outsiders of attempting to disrupt what it described as a peaceful movement.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to protesters to maintain peace, urging them not to respond to provocation.
Protests expand across states
The agitation continued to spread beyond Delhi. Violent clashes were reported in several districts of Bihar, including Jehanabad, Darbhanga, Katihar and Begusarai, where protesters allegedly pelted stones, damaged public property and clashed with police. At least 14 police personnel and several students were injured as police resorted to aerial firing, baton charges and other crowd-control measures.
Student organisations also organised demonstrations in Kerala, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal in support of the agitation. In Kerala, SFI workers held statewide protests demanding Pradhan's resignation, while Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy questioned the BRS over its silence on the issue and alleged a tacit understanding between the regional party and the BJP.
Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India appealed to lawyers, teachers, journalists and other professionals to guide students towards peaceful and lawful protest, while cautioning against misinformation and attempts to exploit the ongoing agitation.
-with agency input from PTI
