Protests Continue in Delhi Against Education Minister Amid Violence and Arrests

Following a heavy crackdown on demonstrators marching towards Parliament under the banner of the 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP), a significant crowd remained at Jantar Mantar even past midnight, chanting slogans against the central government and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On Tuesday, security measures in the national capital were heightened as the protests entered their 24th day. According to police reports, over 170 individuals were injured during the 'March to Parliament,' including both protesters and security personnel.

Abhijit Dipke, the founder of CJP, announced that they would refrain from marching again, fearing further harm to the youth by police. However, he assured that the movement would persist, stating that the government was willing to spill more blood of young students to protect Dharmendra Pradhan, who is responsible for the deaths of over 20 students. CJP reiterated its demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation, claiming the government has completely embarrassed itself. "If they wanted, the resignation would have happened long ago, but everyone in the BJP is engulfed in arrogance," he added.

The Delhi Police have filed five FIRs and initiated an investigation to determine if the violence was part of a larger conspiracy to disrupt peace in the city. FIRs have been registered against unidentified individuals for rioting, damaging public and private property, and assaulting on-duty government employees at various police stations including Parliament Street, Barakhamba, and Connaught Place. Sources indicate that the investigation team is reviewing CCTV footage, including clips from facial recognition technology, to identify those involved in the violence and attacks on police personnel. Additionally, police reported that protesters caused significant damage to government property, vandalizing 15 to 20 government vehicles. Approximately 70 protesters have been detained.

According to reports, Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated on Tuesday that discussions with CJP were positive. Arriving for an NDA parliamentary party meeting, Nadda briefly commented on the previous day's meeting, saying it was fine and always is. On Monday, as protesters marched towards Parliament demanding Pradhan's resignation over allegations of a NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Nadda met with CJP's national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka and chief spokesperson Sourav Das at his residence. Earlier that day, he mentioned that the proposal for dialogue came from the protesters for the first time on Monday morning. He posted on X, "This morning, for the first time, the protesters proposed a discussion with the government, and our talks began at 11:50 AM. The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere. Initial verbal discussions with their delegation were detailed, and they submitted a written petition around 4 PM. I have requested all protesters to end their sit-in and assist the administration in restoring normalcy."

There was speculation about a meeting involving Dharmendra Pradhan, possibly discussing the aftermath of the UGC and other controversies. However, the manner in which the protests unfolded has led to internal deliberations within the party regarding the implications of removing Pradhan now. Concerns were raised that if he were dismissed, it could open a Pandora's box of issues, leading to demands for the resignation of the Agriculture Minister due to farmers' problems, and similarly for the Road Transport Minister if road conditions deteriorate. This could set a precedent where any issue could prompt 500 people to demand resignations, creating an endless cycle of protests. Such a scenario would send a very negative message.