Day 3 of CJP Protest: Talks stall, Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply as agitation intensifies
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, July 22, 2026: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 irregularities entered its third day on Wednesday with no breakthrough in sight, as protesters continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, negotiations with the Centre hit a roadblock, and the Delhi High Court sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police over allegations of excessive force during Monday’s “Sansad Chalo” march.
Rejecting the Centre’s invitation for talks at Union Minister J.P. Nadda’s residence, CJP said it remained open to dialogue but only at a neutral venue or at the protest site. Party spokesperson Saurav Das termed discussions at a minister’s residence “meaningless” and reiterated that the movement would continue until the government seriously addressed its demands.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought replies from the Centre and Delhi Police on petitions seeking an independent probe into the alleged use of force against protesters during Monday’s march to Parliament. The petitions alleged police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas without adequate warning, while Delhi Police maintained that protesters turned violent and several police personnel were injured in the clashes. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 11.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who continues his indefinite fast from hospital, said he would end his hunger strike only if the government gave an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action would be taken against students and other protesters who participated in the movement. (
At the protest site, thousands of demonstrators continued to gather despite heavy security deployment across central Delhi. CJP leaders warned that the agitation would expand further if the Centre failed to respond positively, with spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka describing the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march as “just a trailer” and indicating that larger protests could follow.
Security remained tight around Parliament House, Rafi Marg and adjoining areas, while several Delhi Metro stations remained closed or witnessed restricted access due to security arrangements. Delhi Police continued its investigation into the violence during Monday’s march, in which multiple FIRs have already been registered.
The protests also echoed inside Parliament, where Opposition parties raised the NEET issue and demanded accountability over the alleged paper leak and police action against protesters, leading to repeated disruptions during proceedings.
As the agitation entered its third day, the standoff between the protesters and the Centre remained unresolved, with both sides holding firm on their positions even as judicial scrutiny and political pressure continued to mount.