Police used tear gas and lathi charges Thursday to disperse protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi [1, 2].
The clashes highlight growing public anger over the integrity of India's competitive examination system. Allegations of leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 exam have sparked widespread student unrest and demands for government accountability [1].
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including students and party leaders, organized a sit-in protest and a "Chalo Sansad" march toward parliament [1, 2]. The gathering turned violent after security forces moved in to stop the procession.
Crowd estimates varied significantly. One report said that 8,000 participants joined the Chalo Sansad march [2], while another estimate placed the number of people gathered near Jantar Mantar at approximately 50,000 [3].
Authorities had denied permission for the demonstration. Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS to prevent the assembly [3]. Despite these orders, CJP leader Dipke and other organizers encouraged the turnout to demand transparency regarding the 2026 examination process [1].
During the chaos, Dipke criticized the government's response to the dissent. "They've made it like North Korea," Dipke said [2].
The protest follows a series of allegations that the NEET-UG 2026 exam was compromised, potentially affecting the futures of thousands of medical aspirants. Protesters argue that the lack of a transparent investigation into these leaks undermines the meritocratic nature of the entrance process [1].
“"They've made it like North Korea"”
The escalation of protests by the Cockroach Janta Party reflects a deepening crisis of trust in India's national testing agencies. By utilizing Section 163 of the BNSS to suppress the march, the government is prioritizing public order over the grievances of students, which may further radicalize the movement if the alleged NEET-UG 2026 leaks remain unaddressed.
