New Delhi: Youth protests in India continued after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike over exam paper leaks that triggered widespread anger among students.
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Education Minister of India, over exam paper leaks affecting around 2 million students. The controversy is also linked to several student suicides.
The demonstrations mark the most significant youth-led challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Opposition parties support the movement’s demands, while parliament proceedings during the monsoon session face repeated disruptions.
Sack Dharmendra Pradhan!
शिक्षा मंत्री इस्तीफा दो!
युवाओं को जल्द न्याय मिले। pic.twitter.com/kjwDqb6VR1
— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 24, 2026
In Connaught Place, businesses were asked to close early due to security concerns. The New Delhi Traders Association cited official advisories for the decision. Human rights groups raised concerns, viewing the measures as attempts to limit protest activity.
Thousands of protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar under heavy security deployment. Demonstrators carried anti-government posters and raised slogans, while business activity in central Delhi remains affected. Metro services also face significant disruption across several areas.
Authorities shut 16 metro stations across central areas and blocked mobile internet services in parts of the city. The move impacts both protesters and local businesses that rely on digital payments, with shops and restaurants reporting operational difficulties.
After ending the fast, Wangchuk was advised to recover from weight loss. The protest movement continues to grow, with calls for nationwide rallies in support of students. The appeal follows allegations of police action during a march towards parliament earlier in the week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that special courts will be set up to handle cases linked to exam paper leaks, with further measures expected at a cabinet meeting. The movement spread beyond Delhi to Ranchi, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata, highlighting concerns over jobs and exam irregularities.
Clashes were also reported, with more than 10,000 people gathering at the protest site on one night. Some protesters threw stones and bottles, leading to injuries among police personnel, while earlier demonstrations saw police use tear gas and batons to disperse crowds.
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