NEW DELHI, July 21, 2026 — Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced on Tuesday that the youth-led movement will halt its street marches in the national capital, declaring, “We will not march again because the police will hurt the youth again.”
The decision follows a violent police crackdown on Monday that left over 150 demonstrators injured as thousands attempted to march to Parliament. The protesters were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over systemic examination irregularities, including the NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak.
“We Could Have Done Better to Protect You”
Addressing a press conference, Dipke confirmed the suspension of physical marches to protect the safety of the movement’s young supporters.
“We had to call off the protest yesterday because we did not want more youth to be injured,” Dipke stated. He also issued an emotional apology on the social media platform X, specifically addressing reports of police brutality against female protesters.
“I apologise to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police,” the CJP founder wrote. He further alleged that the government was willing to “spill the blood of many more young students” to shield the Education Minister.
Demands and Government Outreach
Despite halting the marches, CJP leaders emphasized that the agitation will continue through sit-ins and digital campaigns until their demands are met. The movement’s core demands include the immediate resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, systemic exam reforms, compensation for the families of students who died by suicide, and the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains hospitalized during his indefinite hunger strike.
Monday’s “Chalo Sansad” march coincided with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Delhi Police defended their use of batons and tear gas, claiming the protesters lacked permission, breached barricades, and displayed aggressive behavior.
In a slight shift, the government initiated its first direct dialogue with the protesters on Monday, as CJP representatives met with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the exam leaks in Parliament, calling them a “greatest sin” and highlighting the swift arrests of those involved.
Opposition and Rights Groups React
The violent scenes in New Delhi have drawn sharp condemnation from the political opposition and international rights groups. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alongside Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited injured students at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and subsequently staged a protest outside Prime Minister Modi’s residence.
Amnesty International also condemned the police action, stating it demonstrated “how peaceful dissent is being suppressed in India.”
While the streets of Delhi may see a pause in CJP marches, the movement’s leaders have vowed to maintain their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, ensuring the pressure on the government remains high.
Published by True Roots Media Network