The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday said it would continue its agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but would not hold another march to Parliament. Party chief Abhijeet Dipke said the decision was taken a day after clashes with police in Delhi left scores of supporters injured, adding that the party did not want more young people to be hurt.

Delhi witnessed unprecedented chaos on Monday as police used lathicharge, tear gas and barricades to stop protesters marching towards Parliament, demanding greater accountability over the competitive examination crisis and government action on the issue. According to Delhi Police, nearly 180 people were injured, including several police and security personnel. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, however, claimed that more than 150 protesters were undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Dipke apologised to supporters following Monday's clashes, particularly women whom he alleged were assaulted by male police officers, saying, "We could have done better."

"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," he wrote on X.

The CJP founder further alleged that the government was "willing to spill the blood of many more young students" to protect Dharmendra Pradhan, whom he blamed for the deaths of more than 20 students.

"We will keep fighting for all of you," the 30-year-old protest leader said.

Thousands of protesters from Delhi and neighbouring cities gathered on Monday, the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, to march towards Parliament. The demonstration marked the latest escalation of a movement that began online and has since evolved into a large-scale street mobilisation.

Delhi Police, however, said the protesters had "displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour" and had "deliberately violated the prohibitory orders in force" despite repeated warnings.

During the protest, the CJP leadership met Union Minister JP Nadda and reiterated its demands, including the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation of the Education Minister, and compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.

The CJP's decision to call off the Parliament march also came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the paper leak as the "greatest sin" and said the government had acted swiftly by arresting those involved. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while sharing the Prime Minister's remarks, said, "I think when the talks are going on in the right direction, the atmosphere should not be vitiated."

Union Minister JP Nadda, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also visited Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi, where they met injured protesters undergoing treatment.

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Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 13:44 IST