New Delhi, July 20: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) entered its 23rd day on Monday with activist Sonam Wangchuk setting conditions to end his hunger strike, Parliament repeatedly disrupted by opposition protests, clashes during a march to Parliament and the government’s first formal talks with protest leaders.
Sonam Wangchuk puts three conditions to end fast
The day began with Wangchuk, who remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site, saying he would end his indefinite hunger strike if the government accepted accountability for alleged failures in the education system, particularly examination paper leaks.
In a letter released Today on X, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if he and CJP leaders were allowed to reach Parliament and lawmakers assured them they would raise the issue in both Houses. If his health prevented him from travelling, he said Members of Parliament should visit him at the hospital and provide the same assurance.
WHEN WILL I END THE FAST….!
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 20, 2026
Not withstanding my health my fast continues till after the Sansad Chalo March, and will be broken only under the following circumstances… pic.twitter.com/kaOGx2Nk4T
Three student protesters — Neha, Manish and Ameen — who had joined Wangchuk’s hunger strike ended their 23-day fast on Monday.
Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk’s vital parameters remained stable but that he continued to require close medical monitoring.
PM addresses media before Monsoon Session
Before Parliament convened, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a productive Monsoon Session and urged lawmakers to engage in meaningful debate instead of disruption.
Modi highlighted India’s recent achievements in space exploration, infrastructure and economic growth despite challenges posed by the conflict in West Asia.
Speaking at the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. May this session witness productive discussions that strengthen India's development journey. https://t.co/v25Vg62apy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2026
He said India had continued to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy and added that the aspirations of the country’s youth were “as limitless as space itself.”
Congress president takes up matter of NEET paper leak and Jantar Mantar protest
Soon after Parliament assembled, Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of failing students affected by the alleged NEET paper leak.
Paper Leaks के खिलाफ, बच्चे जंतर-मंतर पर बैठे हैं, लेकिन उनके ऊपर लाठीचार्ज करवाया जा रहा है।
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 20, 2026
मोदी सरकार हमारे युवा की आवाज़ दबाने की कोशिश कर रही है। pic.twitter.com/Bvgd1LxRYx
Kharge also condemned the alleged baton charge on students participating in the CJP protest and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on political opponents.
He demanded accountability from the government over the examination controversy, saying lakhs of students had suffered because of alleged irregularities.
Tear gas and lathi charge at CJP protest at many places
Meanwhile, thousands of CJP supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar for the party’s planned “Chalo Sansad” march despite Delhi Police denying permission for the protest.
Police used tear gas shells and batons after protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament. Some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries.
तानाशाह सरकार संवाद व इस्तीफा करने बजाय युवाओं पर लगातार आंसू गैस की गोले दाग रही है,,,#संसद_मार्च pic.twitter.com/4jnht7Vxla
— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 20, 2026
Authorities also suspended mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi and closed several Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth, citing security concerns.
The CJP appealed to supporters to remain peaceful, while Delhi Police reiterated that unauthorised marches and gatherings were prohibited under prohibitory orders.
Parliament got dissolved till 2 PM
The protests outside Parliament were mirrored inside both Houses, where repeated opposition protests over the NEET paper leak forced multiple adjournments.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain decorum and allow Question Hour to proceed, while Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan made similar appeals.
Despite repeated adjournments at 12 noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. and 12:50 p.m. in the two Houses, opposition members continued raising slogans over the examination issue, leading both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to be adjourned until 2 p.m.
CJP leader meets JP Nadda and puts their demand
In the day’s first formal engagement between the government and the protesters, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union minister J.P. Nadda after, according to the party, the government reached out for talks earlier in the day.
🚨#ImportantAnnouncement: @AshutoshRanka and I have been at J.P. Nadda’s residence since 12 noon. The demands have been conveyed, including immediate resignation/sacking of Dharmendra Pradhan.
— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) July 20, 2026
The Minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no… pic.twitter.com/vzLluczbkV
The delegation submitted a written memorandum demanding Wangchuk’s release from hospital, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of ₹1 crore for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.
Das said Nadda assured the delegation he would discuss the demands internally and sought more time before responding. There was no immediate official statement from the government following the meeting.
