Parliament March Triggers High Drama Over NEET Row

NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ march over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak turned into a major political flashpoint on Monday, with large-scale protests, police action, detentions and heightened security unfolding alongside the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. While the Centre initiated dialogue with protest leaders, the absence of any concrete assurances meant that the standoff remained unresolved by the end of the day.

Thousands of CJP supporters assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to march towards Parliament. According to Delhi Police, protesters tried to cross security barricades, prompting the use of tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd. Several demonstrators were detained during the operation.

Amid the protests, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Minister J.P. Nadda to submit their demands. The delegation sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk and compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide. Although discussions took place, the government did not announce any commitment on the demands.

Following the meeting, Nadda urged the protesters to end their sit-in and cooperate with the administration in restoring normalcy. He said the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere after the protesters initiated dialogue and confirmed that a written memorandum had been submitted for consideration.

The confrontation on the streets intensified as Delhi Police reported injuries to several personnel during clashes, alleging that stones were thrown at security forces stationed near the barricades.

The CJP, however, accused the police of using excessive force against demonstrators and claimed that several protesters, including members of Sonam Wangchuk’s family and other participants, were assaulted during the crackdown. Delhi Police rejected these allegations, stating that social media posts claiming a 12-year-old girl and dozens of others had suffered serious injuries were false and urged the public not to circulate misleading information.

The issue quickly took on political dimensions, with Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav accusing the Centre of mishandling the protest. He alleged that students and young people were subjected to baton charges, tear gas and rough treatment by police personnel in plainclothes, describing the government’s response as a failure to anticipate the scale of public anger. Yadav also said the Opposition would raise the issue in the Lok Sabha and demanded that the government clarify its position on the alleged Ram Mandir donation controversy.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Parliament. Although officials confirmed the meeting lasted for several hours, no details of the discussions were disclosed.

The CJP has been staging protests at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding examination reforms and action over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process.

The demonstration also disrupted normal life across central Delhi. As a precautionary measure, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily closed five metro stations, affecting hundreds of commuters. Crowds gathered outside stations including Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk as access remained restricted. Security personnel also dispersed groups of protesters assembled near metro premises.

Near the Reserve Bank of India building, close to Parliament, at least seven CJP supporters were detained after raising slogans during the march. Similar demonstrations were organised across several cities in Gujarat in support of the campaign against alleged examination irregularities and in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. In Ahmedabad, police detained several protesters after they assembled without prior permission.

Security forces also fired tear gas shells near Shastri Bhawan after protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades and move towards the high-security zone around Parliament. Rapid Action Force personnel remained deployed across central Delhi as authorities tightened security throughout the day.

Another significant development came when CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his indefinite hunger strike at the request of Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital after completing a 21-day fast.

Inside Parliament, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of the alleged police action against students at Jantar Mantar, arguing that the matter concerned the future of lakhs of young aspirants and accusing the government of attempting to suppress their voices.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Atishi, also joined the demonstration, expressing solidarity with the protesting students. Earlier, Sisodia had appealed to people across political affiliations to participate in the Parliament march.

CJP leaders maintained that they remain open to further discussions with the government but said no clarity has emerged on the next course of action. With negotiations producing no breakthrough and both sides standing firm, the agitation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination reforms is expected to remain a major political and parliamentary issue in the days ahead.