Health Minister / BJP National President · Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · BJP
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Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, spokespersons for the Cockroach Janta Party, told NDTV on Wednesday that they are not concerned about their protest being overshadowed or labeled as a 'fixed match.' They stressed peaceful protests and demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and compensation for students who died by suicide after NEET paper leaks. Doctors informed them over 98% of injured police personnel had minor injuries from Monday’s march to Parliament. Sonam Wangchuk will end his hunger strike if the government assures no punitive action against protesters, but protests will continue until demands are met.

At Jantar Mantar, Umasa, a 13-year-old from Delhi, joined protests demanding accountability for leaked exam papers and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Clashes on Monday injured protesters and police; Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also protested outside Prime Minister Modi's house, leading to their detention.

In 1997, Janaki Ballabh Patnaik was Odisha's Chief Minister during a protest against an examination paper leak. Around 1,500 students, including then-ABVP member and future Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, gathered outside the state secretariat in Bhubaneswar. Pradhan was severely beaten by police during the peaceful demonstration. This event marked his rise in student politics and later in the BJP.

On July 22, 2026, the Opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Akhilesh Yadav, demanded that Dharmendra Pradhan resign before discussing the NEET paper leak issue. The government, represented by JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, stated it was ready for transparent discussions on all related issues despite the opposition's insistence. Clashes between protesters and police in New Delhi resulted in injuries to dozens of people.

Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old activist, demands the government assure no legal action against protesters over the NEET paper leak to end his hunger strike on Day 25. Removed from Jantar Mantar after three weeks, he continues fasting at Medanta hospital in Gurugram. He thanks ministers for visiting and discussing compensation and accountability but insists on an assurance for young protesters before ending his fast.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, demands that the Indian government initiate talks over alleged NEET paper leaks and calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Protesters have been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar for 32 days. The government is ready to talk if protesters initiate dialogue but insists on them coming forward first. Talks are scheduled, amid allegations of police crackdowns and violence during protests.

A 21-year-old woman injured in Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests at Jantar Mantar, Delhi on Monday was taken off ventilator and is recovering at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. She collided with a barricade during police action; MRI reports are normal. Of the 90 students injured, she is the only one still admitted. Police reported over 118 personnel and around 60 protesters were hurt in clashes. Union Health Minister JP Nadda visited hospitals to meet injured protesters and discuss treatment. Protests continue with demands for resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation.

Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, protested against Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, over alleged irregularities in NEET. Two union ministers met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital after Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi, who was protesting outside Prime Minister’s residence with other Congress leaders and youths across states demanding Pradhan's resignation. The government signaled readiness for debate but refused to succumb to demands for his resignation.

On Tuesday, Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after he was discharged from Safdarjung Hospital earlier that evening. Wangchuk was shifted to Medanta for further treatment as per a Delhi High Court order and admitted to ICU 8 under Dr Sushila Kataria's supervision. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff.

Vijyeta Dahiya, the former spokesperson of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), was removed after a video showed him eating a burger during protests against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dahiya defended himself as facing "propaganda," while the CJP called his actions insensitive and inconsistent with party values. At least 178 people were injured in the protest clashes.

The Indian Express UPSC Key for July 21, 2026, discusses the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), focusing on India's push to develop hydropower projects on the Chenab and renegotiate the treaty due to Pakistan’s failure to curb terrorism. Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India received approval for Qdenga, India’s first dengue vaccine, while President Droupadi Murmu visited Moldova, discussing UNSC reforms and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) removed Vijeta Dahiya as spokesperson on Tuesday after videos of him eating a burger during the party's protest march to parliament went viral. The CJP condemned his actions as insensitive and inconsistent with party values, while Dahiya defended himself, refusing accountability.

On Monday, 90 students were injured during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi; a 20-year-old woman is now in ICU. By Tuesday morning, 79 had been discharged. The protests, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET-UG paper leak controversies, saw clashes with police and damage to vehicles. JP Nadda met injured protesters and held talks with CJP representatives seeking Sonam Wangchuk’s release and compensation for families of alleged suicides. Despite Monday's violence, protests continued Tuesday.

Anshul Dev, a 18-year-old protester, described the chaos in New Delhi after Delhi police violently cracked down on thousands of student demonstrators demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Over 100 students were injured as protests continued despite the crackdown near Parliament Street and Connaught Place. Abhijeet Dipke, leader of the Cockroach Janta Party, vowed ongoing resistance against the government's actions.

On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi led Congress workers in a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi, demanding accountability for the "brutality" against students during Monday’s protests. Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke with Rahul Gandhi but talks were inconclusive. The protest continued overnight as Congress sought Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and a parliamentary discussion on NEET paper leaks.

Thousands gathered again in Delhi a day after police cracked down on supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement seeking education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. At least 60 protesters were wounded as police used batons and tear gas; 70 protesters have been detained. Opposition parties condemned the violence, with leader Rahul Gandhi leading a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's house. The CJP continues protests despite government warnings and meetings, demanding accountability for recent exam leaks and alleged misconduct.

NDTV reports that Union Minister JP Nadda visited Lady Hardinge Hospital to interact with protesters injured during Monday's clashes in New Delhi. The government is open to dialogue but has no set timeframe, following a 21-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk and protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET paper leaks. Cockroach Janta Party placed demands including compensation for affected families and Wangchuk's release, vowing to continue until their demands are met.

Asad Rehman, with The Indian Express national bureau for over eight years, covers politics and policy focusing on religious minorities in India. Previously, he covered Uttar Pradesh for five years, reporting extensively on protests against the citizenship law, worker migration during the pandemic, and landmark litigations like the Babri Masjid-Ram temple case. Rehman studied history at Ramjas College and has a master’s from AJK Mass Communication Research Centre.

On Monday, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters marched towards Parliament in Delhi, clashing with police and causing damage to public property. Over 100 people were treated for injuries; the police registered five FIRs and used facial recognition technology to investigate. CJP renewed demands for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation. Union Health Minister JP Nadda met CJP leaders but talks did not resolve the protest, which entered its 24th day.

On July 20, 2026, Cockroach Janta Party supporters protested in Delhi for educational reforms and transparency. Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, CJP leaders, met Union Minister JP Nadda to submit demands. Protesters clashed with police; Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike at Safdarjung Hospital since June 18. Chaos erupted, with tear gas used and protesters reclaiming Jantar Mantar by nightfall.

On Monday, protesters stormed Delhi over the NEET exam leak and other issues. Amit Shah managed security while JP Nadda, tasked with dialogue by the government, met Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives twice; they handed demands in writing at 4 pm. Police used mild force to disperse crowds, and no commitments were made during talks.

Anshuka Ruth Das, a 18-year-old student from Gurugram, joined thousands of protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to march on India’s parliament in New Delhi on Monday. The youth-led movement demanded reforms and accountability after an exam scandal that allegedly caused student suicides. Despite security measures, including internet restrictions, police used batons and tear gas against protesters, leading to injuries. Veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das announced talks with the government but warned of continued protests if demands were not met.

Facing one of the largest student protests near Parliament, the Centre moved swiftly to engage protesters by accepting a memorandum and holding high-level meetings led by Home Minister Amit Shah. The government discussed examination reforms and security measures with students and ministers including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, emphasizing dialogue despite differences over NEET paper leaks and education policy.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union minister JP Nadda after protesting in central Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-UG paper leaks. Police intervened when protesters tried to march towards parliament under prohibitory orders. The government asked protesters to end their sit-in; no commitments were made yet. Protest continues.

Rahul Gandhi condemned the Delhi Police's use of tear gas and baton charges against protesting students in Delhi who were demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities. The protests, supported by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led to talks with Union Minister JP Nadda but continued despite the outreach.

Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) defied a police ban to march on India's parliament in Delhi, demanding the resignation of the education minister over alleged exam paper leaks. Police blocked the march with barricades, leading to scuffles and injuries from baton-charges. The protest, which began at Jantar Mantar observatory, continued despite heavy rain and police attempts to disperse protesters. CJP representatives met Health Minister JP Nadda but tensions remained high as thousands stayed at Jantar Mantar hoping for permission to continue the march.

On July 21, 2026, flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir disrupted the Amarnath Yatra and caused casualties. Jagat Prakash Nadda met with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders who reiterated demands for Sonam Wangchuk's release, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, and compensation for student suicides linked to NEET leaks. Delhi University teachers opposed Bihar’s proposal on university governance. India’s UPI system expanded globally, reaching 12 countries. Keir Starmer resigned as UK Prime Minister, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerging as a top political figure.

JP Nadda, Union minister, met Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for talks on July 20, 2026, after protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam leaks. Nadda requested protesters to end their sit-in in Delhi's central area following a cordial meeting where CJP submitted a written petition. The Delhi Police urged protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with authorities. Protests continued despite requests for normalcy.

India has reinstated its Air Suvidha 2.0 online health declaration system for all international passengers, including those from the UAE, to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa. The move follows a World Health Organization declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and aims to streamline airport screening processes. Passengers must complete the form online within 24 hours before departure, providing travel history, exposure details, and symptom information. The digital platform facilitates real-time data sharing with authorities, reducing congestion and facilitating faster identification of potential risks.
The Bharatiya Janata Party in Punjab is facing internal tensions following the appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as state chief. Former Congress leader Amarinder Singh opposed the appointment, highlighting a growing dissatisfaction within the party. The BJP has attempted to address this by elevating long-time loyalist Tarun Chugh to the Rajya Sabha and deploying Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for outreach. This shift towards a solo political strategy in Punjab is crucial, but internal cohesion remains a challenge with veteran leaders and recent entrants vying for influence. Jagmohan Raju has offered to step down from his organizational role, marking the first visible sign of this strain.

BJP top leaders, including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and party president Nitin Nabin, will meet at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence this evening to discuss the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. The meeting will focus on finalizing candidates for these elections, which are scheduled for June 18th, as well as strategizing for the high-stakes Rajya Sabha polls following the recent defeat of the Women's reservation bill. The party also plans to discuss strengthening its organization, mobilizing supporters, and highlighting achievements of the Modi government over the past twelve years.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) to monitor the situation in West Asia. The IGoM, which included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and other ministers, discussed the impact of the ongoing conflict on India's energy supplies, essential commodities, infrastructure, and supply chains. Singh emphasized a proactive approach to ensure preparedness and safeguard Indian citizens from any potential consequences.

Union Minister J.P. Nadda criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, accusing them of disrespecting the judiciary, Election Commission of India, and democratic procedures. He stated that the government is upholding the rule of law while the TMC's actions are causing disruptions. Responding to a query from TMC leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Nadda asserted that the situation in West Bengal stems from the state government's handling of electoral rolls revisions.

The BJP criticized Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal Chief Minister, for allegedly threatening Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, during a public meeting. Sambit Patra, the BJP national spokesperson, alleged that Banerjee threatened to prevent Shah from leaving his hotel in Kolkata and compared her actions to "Hitler-sahi" or dictatorship. He also accused Banerjee of orchestrating violence against BJP activists and claimed she has destroyed democracy in West Bengal.
