Thousands of protesters gathered across central Delhi on Monday as a massive demonstration demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan intensified. According to reporters on the ground, nearly 50,000 people joined the protest, which spread across key areas of the national capital after an attempted march towards Parliament was halted.

The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has been ongoing for more than a month over the alleged NEET paper leak and other issues related to the education system.

Protest Spreads Across Central Delhi

The CJP had announced the march to Parliament several days earlier. However, authorities stopped the procession before it could reach its destination.

Despite the restrictions, demonstrators continued gathering in large numbers, and the protest expanded across central Delhi. The situation remained tense as protesters occupied several areas around Jantar Mantar and nearby roads.

CJP Leaders Meet JP Nadda

During the protest, CJP representatives met Union Minister JP Nadda at his residence after the government reached out to them.

According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the meeting lasted around 10 minutes. He said the delegation presented three key demands before the minister:

• Immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• ₹1 crore compensation for the families of all NEET aspirants who died by suicide.

The party said it expects the government to respond to these demands.

Police Use Mild Force to Control Crowd

As the crowd grew larger at Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police used a mild lathicharge and limited force to disperse protesters.

The demonstration later spread to several parts of central Delhi despite police efforts to control the gathering.

Security personnel had already been deployed around the protest venue on Sunday, and a riot control vehicle arrived at the site early Monday as authorities prepared for the planned march.

Heavy Security Around Protest Site

Delhi Police strengthened security arrangements around Jantar Mantar ahead of the protest.

Authorities placed barricades near Kerala House to block one of the approach roads to the protest venue. Additional barricades were also installed on Tolstoy Marg, one of the main entry routes, while leaving only a narrow passage open for people entering the area.

Police officers remained stationed throughout the protest, and riot control vehicles stayed on standby.

Section 163 Imposed in Delhi

The Delhi Police also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma issued a public advisory on X on Sunday, stating that the "Delhi Police categorically clarifies that no permission has been sought or granted for any such protest march/procession."

The advisory warned people about restrictions on public gatherings in the affected areas.

Sonam Wangchuk Lists Conditions to End Hunger Strike

Meanwhile, environmentalist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days, shared the conditions under which he would end his fast.

In a handwritten note from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk wrote, "Dear friends & supporters, many of you have asked when will I end fast. As mentioned earlier to supporters, I will end my fast on 20th July, if..."

He said he would end the hunger strike if the “government takes accountability of the recent failures in education system – paper leaks, etc” or “if the leadership of CJP reach the doorsteps of Parliament where Hon'ble MPs and leaders of various parties assures us that the will now take up the issue in Parliament.”

Wangchuk also added that if his health prevented him from travelling, Members of Parliament could instead visit him in the hospital and provide those assurances.

Protest Continues Amid Growing Political Pressure

The protest has now entered another phase as demonstrators continue demanding accountability over the alleged failures in the education system.

With thousands remaining on the streets, heightened security across central Delhi, and Sonam Wangchuk continuing his hunger strike, pressure on the government has increased while authorities remain on alert to prevent further escalation.