Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, July 24, 2026, issued his first response to the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks, assuring students that those responsible for compromising the future of young aspirants would face strict action.

In a statement shared publicly, PM Modi said that protecting the interests of students remained the government’s top priority. He announced that fast-track courts would be established to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for individuals involved in paper leak cases.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” the Prime Minister said, adding that authorities had been instructed to take all necessary measures to safeguard students’ interests. He emphasized that anyone attempting to damage the future of young people would not be spared.

The Centre removed NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh and Vineet Joshi as higher education secretary amid the NEET-UG controversy and allegations of examination irregularities.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbJSbtII9aa/?igsh=ZG4ybHc0OTJnMmFz

Jantar Mantar Protest Gains Political Support

The statement came amid growing protests at Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has intensified its campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

The protest movement has received support from several opposition leaders, student groups, and public figures. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has also backed the demonstration and has been on a hunger strike, reportedly leading to a decline in his health. Delhi Police later shifted him to a hospital for medical attention.

The agitation has expanded beyond student groups, with political parties and celebrities expressing solidarity with the protesters and raising concerns about examination transparency and accountability.

CJP Alleges Attempts to Disrupt Protest

Speaking to the media at the protest site, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke alleged that attempts were being made to disrupt the peaceful demonstration.

Dipke claimed that outside groups were being brought in to create disturbances and blamed political opponents for attempting to weaken the movement. He said that the protest had continued peacefully for weeks before tensions escalated.

He alleged that individuals linked to the BJP were responsible for provoking clashes and accused authorities of failing to protect demonstrators. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.

Clashes Reported Between Police and Protesters

Tensions increased after clashes broke out between police personnel and protesters at the demonstration site. The CJP leadership accused police officials of using force against participants and announced plans to pursue legal action against officers allegedly involved in assaulting protesters.

Dipke reiterated that the protest would continue until their demands were addressed. At the same time, he appealed to Sonam Wangchuk to consider ending his hunger strike due to concerns over his health.

Security Measures Lead to Metro Closures

Amid heightened security concerns in the national capital, several Delhi Metro stations were temporarily closed until further notice.

The affected stations include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, and Shivaji Stadium.

Authorities stated that the restrictions were part of security arrangements in view of the ongoing protests and large gatherings in central Delhi.

Government and Protesters Remain at Odds

While the government has maintained that strict action will be taken against those involved in examination irregularities, protesters continue to demand greater accountability and political responsibility over the NEET-UG controversy.

The developments have turned the issue into a major political confrontation, with discussions around student welfare, examination reforms, and government accountability remaining at the center of the debate.