New Delhi : The removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from his over-20-day fast at Jantar Mantar, followed by a call for a march to Parliament on the opening day of the monsoon session, elicited a massive response in the national capital on Monday. Lakhs of protestors marched towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over paper leaks in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
The protestors, drawn from students, jobless youth and activists, gathered at Jantar Mantar in the morning, unfazed by the sweltering heat and later rain. Holding banners and playcards and chanting slogans, “Dharmendra Pradhan istifa do (Dharmendra Pradhan resign)” and “We asked for ‘Make in India’, you gave us ‘Leak in India’,” the protestors from in and outside Delhi filled the arterial roads converging at the roundabout close to Parliament, reflecting growing youth anger over the government’s refusal to take action against Pradhan despite Wangchuk sitting on a peaceful hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.
Wangchuk, supported throughout his fast by leaders and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was forcibly removed from the protest site and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, citing deteriorating health and medical recommendations under the Delhi High Court’s directions.
Heavy security, clashes and restrictions:
Delhi Police barricaded Parliament Street and adjoining arterial roads as a sea of swelling crowd moved ahead. Police also hurled tear gas shells and lathi-charged the protestors. The internet was shut down in several places to prevent people from sharing messages and videos of the agitation. For the early part of the day, metro stations near the parliament were also closed, but later opened to facilitate travel.
The police said no permission had been taken for the protest march and that, since Parliament is under strict prohibitory orders, these are enforced throughout the entire New Delhi district.
Protest leaders reiterate demands”
Behind the scenes, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das met Union Health Minister JP Nadda. Saurav Das said that the protest will continue till Pradhan resigns. “We met JP Nadda twice. During the meeting, we stated our three demands. First, that Sonam Wangchuk be released immediately… Second, we demand that Dharmendra Pradhan must resign; he should either be dismissed from the Cabinet or resign voluntarily. The protest will continue until his resignation is secured. Third, we demand compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the NEET aspirants, more than 20 of whom have lost their lives,” Das said.
Protesters speak of anger and accountability:
Anshika, 17, was among thousands of young people who joined the march seeking accountability from the government over alleged examination irregularities. Anshika said she and other protesters tried to climb over barricades but were pulled down by women police personnel. “We did not lie to our families and come here to be picked up and detained like criminals,” said Anshika from Delhi’s Badarpur, showing bruises on her hand.
