After a day marked by high-stakes negotiations, nationwide protests and major political developments, all eyes are on Delhi as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares for what could be a decisive day in its agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
On Saturday, July 25, the CJP is expected to hold a crucial third round of talks with the Centre after two rounds of discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh failed to break the deadlock over the party's key demand—the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which it has described as "non-negotiable."
The protests gained further momentum on Friday as CJP organised peaceful demonstrations across the country under its "One District, One Day, One Demand" campaign while continuing negotiations with the government at Delhi's Constitution Club. The Centre is understood to have expressed willingness to consider some demands, including compensation for affected aspirants' families and the withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters. However, reports indicate that Pradhan's resignation remains off the table.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the youth through a video message shared on Instagram.
"Thank you, friends. I got the opportunity to talk to you at midnight. The way you have responded to my video, positive suggestions given by you, thanks to everybody. Your love will continue to flow; our relations will continue with more bonding. Thank you, thank you friends," he said.
The outreach came four days after thousands of students, led by the CJP, participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' march demanding Pradhan's resignation over alleged examination irregularities.
Rejecting allegations that he had reached a "deal" with the Centre, Sonam Wangchuk said he ended his fast only after receiving written assurances and because he feared students could face a crackdown similar to last year's violence in Ladakh. His remarks came as political leaders continued backing the protesters and security remained tight across central Delhi.
Adding another development, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed he had been diagnosed with typhoid even as the organisation prepared for Saturday's crucial negotiations.
Separately, sources said Delhi Police's Facial Recognition System (FRS) identified around 400 people with criminal records in and around the Jantar Mantar protest site between July 20 and July 24, a claim that could add a fresh dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the protests.
Amid heightened security, liquor shops across Delhi have also been directed to close by 8 p.m. until the weekend ends. A senior Delhi government official said the decision was taken based on police inputs regarding the prevailing law and order situation linked to the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar.
The restrictions come as authorities remain on high alert ahead of what could be the most crucial round of talks yet between the Centre and the protesting students.
