CJP Jantar Mantar Protest News: Pralhad Joshi Named New Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

After two rounds of negotiations, both sides return to the table as protesters insist Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable.

Shashank Nair Updated: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 09:03 PM IST
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Saturday,July 25, 2026, 09:03 PM IST

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu participates in solidarity march

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 09:03 PM IST

CM Revanth Reddy Participates In Candlelight Rally

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy participated in a Candlelight Rally from People’s Plaza to Indira Gandhi Statue as a mark of protest against the police crackdown on the protestors in Delhi on July 20

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 09:03 PM IST

Pralhad Joshi named new Education Minister

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 07:53 PM IST

Dharmendra Pradhan updates X bio 

Dharmendra Pradhan has updated his bio on X. "MP (LS), Sambalpur. Views personal. RTs not endorsement," reads his updated bio.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 08:22 PM IST

Sharad Pawar reacts

NCP (SCP) chief Sharad pawar reacting to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, said, "I personally met the Prime Minister and requested him to engage in dialogue, because in a democracy, communication is essential. If dialogue does not take place, it leads to adverse consequences."

"I had urged that discussions should begin immediately. Either the resignation should be accepted, or the concerns of the students should be heard. I was informed that Union Ministers have told the students they are willing to engage in talks and are prepared for dialogue. I believe this outcome is the result of that very dialogue," he added.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 07:34 PM IST

Murli Manohar Joshi reacts

BJP founding member and former Education Minister Murli Manohar Joshi has reacted to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

"Better late than never. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation. I hope that the Prime Minister will also take an immediate and timely decision. I appreciate and congratulate all the students for their peaceful conclusion to the movement. I hope that now peace will soon be established in the world of Indian education and that the young people will have ample opportunities for their bright future and progress. "

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 08:22 PM IST

Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik reacts

Reacting to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik said, "Gen Z, I'm proud of all of you. You are indeed the strength of our democracy."

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 06:25 PM IST

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav reacts to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 

Samajwadi Party MP and party chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav has reacted to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. "This win belongs to you. We salute your courage, determination and persistence that has led to the resignation of the Education Minister. At the same time, I am deeply sorry that you had to go through so much pain, assault, trauma and humiliation," she wrote.

"The country needs change. Change, so that the corruption that has been purposely allowed to sink into the system can be snuffed out. So that the country can flourish and the aspirations and dreams of our country’s youth can be fulfilled," she wrote on X.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 05:55 PM IST

Cockroach Janta Party Withdraws Agitation With Immediate Effect

CJP has agreed to withdraw the protest with immediate effect after the third round of talks succeeded and the government agreed to all their demands.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 05:13 PM IST

Third round of CJP-Govt talks underway

Union Minister JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh hold third round of talks with Cockroach Janta Party's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das and its National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 05:13 PM IST

"Well done to students"; Rahul Gandhi reacts to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, reacting to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation said,"Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a huge step towards reshaping our education system."

"Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you. Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future," Gandhi posted on X.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 04:23 PM IST

‘Devendra Fadnavis Can Be Given Education Ministry’: Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut’s

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed, “Devendra Fadnavis can be given the Education Ministry.”

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 04:23 PM IST

Metro station in Delhi operational

Entry gates for Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations have been opened.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 04:23 PM IST

Arvind Kejriwal reacts 

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal reacting to the development wrote, "Congratulations to all of you. Congratulations to the youth of our country. It is a matter of great joy that your struggle has borne fruit. Dharmendra Pradhan ultimately had to resign. This is a great victory for our democracy."

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 04:23 PM IST

Prakash Raj Congratulates CJP, Sonam Wangchuk

After Pradhan posted on social media about his resignation, the Prakash Raj tweeted, "Congratulations, my dear Cockroaches. Dear Sonam Wangchuk sir and every single one who stood by the youth. You have proved that you can bring a regime down to its knees (sic)."

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 04:23 PM IST

JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh leave for 3rd round of talks with CJP 

Union Minister JP Nadda, accompanied by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, leaves from his residence to hold the third round of talks with the CJP delegation today.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 03:45 PM IST

Sonam Wangchuk reacts to Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has reacted to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Taking to X he called it a "Victory of democracy."

"IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & persévérance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation," he posted on X.

"FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS," he added.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 03:13 PM IST

Uddhav Thackeray to address press conference at 16:00

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will address a press conference at his residence Matoshree at 4:00 pm, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut shared.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 03:45 PM IST

Exact Moment when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 03:13 PM IST

CJP Reacts to Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 03:13 PM IST

Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Pradhan stated that he was stepping down in the larger interest of students to ensure that the country's youth do not become "trapped in a web of confusion."

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 02:18 PM IST

Police personnel drag a man away during protest in Patna. A clash has erupted between the police and protestors after the call for a statewide shutdown today over the NEET paper leak issue and Police action during student protests in the state. They are also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

Patna, Bihar: Students pelted stones during a protest against the NEET paper leak case. Police took the protesters into custody.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

Delhi Police Alleges Pakistan-Based Handles Spread Fake Content On CJP Protests

Delhi Police on Saturday claimed that its investigation found several Pakistan-operated social media accounts circulating fake content related to the Jantar Mantar protests. Addressing the media, DCP (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said over 400 social media handles have been identified and blocked for allegedly sharing AI-generated content, deepfake videos, edited images and misinformation. He added that some of these accounts were also active during Operation Sindoor, accusing them of manipulating official statements and visuals to mislead the public.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

CJP Calls For Nationwide Candle March On July 26

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for a nationwide candle march on July 26 at 6 pm, urging supporters to gather outside Collector Offices in every district to show solidarity with those allegedly affected by police action during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" protest. The march comes amid the group's continuing agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

3,000 Cops Deployed At Jantar Mantar, 65 Students Injured; 15 FIRs Registered, Over 2,000 With Criminal Records Identified

Delhi Police has deployed 3,000 personnel at Jantar Mantar amid NEET UG 2026 paper leak protests. Around 65 students and 130 police personnel have been injured, and 15 FIRs filed, while over 2,000 people with criminal records were identified.

Read Full Story Here:

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

CJP To Launch Website To Identify Delhi Police Officers Allegedly Assaulting Students During 'Sansad Chalo' Protest

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced plans to launch a website inviting protesters to upload photos and videos to identify Delhi Police personnel allegedly involved in the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' crackdown. CJP says it will seek FIRs against the identified officers and move court if cases are not registered. Delhi Police has denied allegations of using pellet guns.

Read Full Story Here:

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

Rahul Gandhi Backs Students' Demand For Pradhan's Removal

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday backed the students protesting at Jantar Mantar, saying they have three "non-negotiable" demands. Addressing a press conference after meeting students on a hunger strike over the alleged NEET paper leak, Gandhi said the first demand was the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom he described as "corrupt, incompetent and unfit for the role."

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

"Now The Real Fight Begins": CJP Reacts As Protest Standoff Continues

In a strongly worded statement, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) said the government now has only two choices either accept the protesters' demands or escalate its response. Questioning reports of military equipment being moved into Delhi, the group asked whether the government intended to "turn its weapons on its own children" and reiterated that time was running out for the Centre to respond to its demands.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

Delhi Police To Address Media On Jantar Mantar Protest Claims

Delhi Police will hold a press briefing later today to respond to what it described as misleading and false information circulating on social media regarding the Jantar Mantar protest. DCP (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh will address the media and present the police's version of events surrounding the ongoing demonstrations.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 11:14 AM IST

Safdarjung Hospital Clarifies Wangchuk Video Timeline

Safdarjung Hospital has clarified that the video of activist Sonam Wangchuk, released today, was allegedly recorded by his aides on July 21 inside a no-videography zone before the hospital received the Delhi High Court's written order. The hospital said Wangchuk had wanted to leave based on media reports and was formally handed over to the Medanta Gurugram medical team at 6:40 pm the same day after receiving the court's order.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 11:14 AM IST

'Yes or No': CJP Seeks Clear Answer On Pradhan's Resignation Ahead Of Talks

Ahead of the third round of talks with the Centre, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday demanded a clear "yes or no" on whether the government will seek Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the group also wants written confirmation on the two demands that have received in-principle approval before today's meeting, expected between 3:30 pm and 4 pm.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 11:14 AM IST

CJP Leader Abhijeet Dipke Diagnosed With Typhoid Amid NEET Paper Leak Protest In Delhi: Know About His Health Condition

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has revealed he is undergoing treatment for typhoid amid the ongoing NEET paper leak protests. Sharing a video message, he said he is receiving IV drips but remains committed to the movement demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Typhoid is a bacterial infection that requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.

Read Full Story Here:

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 11:14 AM IST

Morning visuals from Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party's protest is underway

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 11:14 AM IST

'Protests Won't End Without Pradhan's Exit': CJP

The Cockroach Janta Party has rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent vertical video appeal urging students to end the protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Reiterating the movement's core demand, the supporter said the agitation will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, insisting the ongoing protests are about accountability and justice for millions of affected students.

Saturday,July 25, 2026, 01:49 PM IST

Will Today Break The Deadlock? CJP, Centre Set For Crucial Third Round Of Talks

After a day marked by high-stakes negotiations, nationwide protests and major political developments, all eyes are on Delhi as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) enters what could be a decisive day in its agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

Today, July 25, the CJP is expected to hold a crucial third round of talks with the Centre after two rounds of discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh yielded no breakthrough on its key demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which the party has termed "non-negotiable."

The protests gathered momentum on Friday as CJP held peaceful demonstrations across the country under its "One District, One Day, One Demand" campaign while continuing negotiations with the government at Delhi's Constitution Club. The Centre is learnt to have shown willingness to consider some of the protesters' demands, including compensation for affected aspirants' families and the withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful demonstrators, but reports suggest Pradhan's resignation is still not under consideration.

Rejecting allegations that he had struck a "deal" with the Centre, Wangchuk said he called off the fast only after receiving written assurances and out of concern that students could face a crackdown similar to the violence witnessed in Ladakh last year. His message came as political leaders continued to rally behind the protesters and security remained tight across central Delhi.

Adding another twist to the movement, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has claimed that he has been diagnosed with typhoid even as the organisation prepares for today's crucial negotiations.

It is, however, unclear how intent his participation would be in the coming days of the protest given his medical condition.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases, thanked young people for their feedback on social media, and, according to news reports, urged his Cabinet colleagues to engage with the youth through Instagram Reels and interactive sessions.

As anticipation builds over today's talks, another development has emerged from the national capital. According to sources, Delhi Police's Facial Recognition System (FRS) identified around 400 people with criminal records moving in and around the Jantar Mantar protest site between July 20 and July 24, a claim that is likely to add another dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the protests.

Will today's meeting finally break the deadlock, or will the agitation intensify further? Stay tuned on this live blog as we bring you every major development, minute by minute.

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