Addressing the media in Delhi, Dipke said the movement would no longer remain restricted to the resignation demand of Dharmendra Pradhan. He appealed to Prime Minister Modi to take immediate action and warned that the issue could eventually extend to demands for accountability from the Prime Minister as well.
“Modi ji, I once again request you to accept Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Otherwise, the issue will not remain limited to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation alone; it will come for your resignation also,” Dipke said.
Meanwhile, authorities extended the suspension of internet services in Central Delhi. The shutdown order issued to telecom service providers on July 23 was initially extended until 4:30 pm, but officials later extended the suspension further, with internet services remaining unavailable until midnight.
Security arrangements remained intensified at Jantar Mantar, where a large contingent of police personnel continued to be deployed following renewed tensions during the CJP-led protest. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of 16 metro stations from 7:30 am until further instructions. The affected stations included Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, and Supreme Court Metro stations. A day earlier, the same 16 stations had also been closed due to the protest situation.
The CJP on Thursday alleged that Delhi Police had placed a “totally damaged car” outside the protest site and questioned the purpose behind it. The party shared visuals of the vehicle, which showed shattered windows and a damaged windshield, claiming that the condition of the car should be recorded before authorities could blame peaceful protesters for any damage.
The protest site had remained largely peaceful on Wednesday; however, tensions escalated later on the Sansad Marg stretch, where clashes broke out between protesters and police personnel. According to Delhi Police, security forces used tear gas shells after some protesters moved onto Sansad Marg, while protesters allegedly pelted stones at police personnel and chased them along the main radial road of Connaught Place.
Delhi Police stated that at least five police personnel were injured during the confrontation. The injured personnel included two Assistant Commissioners of Police, one Inspector, one Head Constable, and one Constable.
The CJP also alleged on Wednesday that internet services around Jantar Mantar had been suspended and questioned whether the government was preparing for another police action. CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke posted on X, stating, “Internet service shutdown at Jantar Mantar. Govt planning another brutal crackdown?” In another post, Dipke appealed to police and paramilitary forces not to follow “illegal orders” that directed them to attack innocent protesters.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das reiterated that the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remained non-negotiable. Das said he had spoken several times with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on an indefinite hunger strike and was receiving treatment at Medanta Hospital.
Das said the conclusion of the discussions was that the protest should remain peaceful and continue in an appropriate manner. He stated that the resignation demand would remain unchanged and that the protest would continue until the demand was addressed.
Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk claimed on Wednesday that Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and assured him that the government would “positively consider” a discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability over paper leaks, including the demand for the resignation of the Education Minister.
Wangchuk also claimed that the government assured consideration of adequate compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak. However, he said he would end his hunger strike only after receiving an “unequivocal assurance” that no student or protester involved in the anti-NEET movement would face punitive or retaliatory legal action.
The issue of paper leaks continued to create political confrontation, with the government expressing willingness to discuss the matter in Parliament, while the Opposition maintained that no discussion could take place without the Education Minister’s resignation. Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, “There will be no discussion on the issue till the education minister resigns. It cannot be a fair discussion till he resigns.”
Opposition Members of Parliament also staged protests on Parliament premises wearing black clothes against the government. According to people aware of the matter, the government accused the Opposition of politicising the ongoing student protest and alleged that it was shifting the focus of the issue. The government also maintained that its channels for dialogue with protest leaders remained open.
The escalating CJP protest has brought renewed attention to demands related to alleged paper leaks, student concerns, and political accountability, with tensions continuing between protesters, authorities, and government representatives in Delhi.
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