Demonstrators affiliated with the Congress Janata Party (CJP) returned to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday, 22 July, resuming their agitation a day after violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces during the 'Sansad Chalo' March. The protest, centred on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities including the NEET-UG paper leak, shows no sign of abating.

Protest Resumes Despite Crackdown

Police had dismantled the stage and tents at Jantar Mantar overnight, but protesters reclaimed the site by early Tuesday morning following a fresh call from the CJP to sustain the agitation. A significant deployment of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel remained in place at the location. Prohibitory orders continue to be enforced around sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.

What the CJP Said

CJP Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka made clear the movement would not wind down. 'Our primary demand is the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, and that is why we will continue our protest at Jantar Mantar. After the brutality shown by the Delhi Police yesterday, many more people than those seen yesterday will reach Delhi. This movement will end only after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,' Ranka said.

Ranka also alleged excessive force against protesters, including women. 'You are beating our children and injuring them. Girls were assaulted, and Geetanjali ma'am, Sonam ji's wife, was dragged by her hair. Even our volunteers, who were helping manage the protest, were beaten. It is clear that instructions were given to suppress and intimidate our children. The entire protest site has been damaged, but the agitation will now grow bigger. We will not move until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,' he added.

118 Police Personnel Injured in Monday Violence

According to Delhi Police, more than 118 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Police Forces sustained injuries during what authorities described as 'violent protests' on Monday, 21 July. The injured include officers of senior rank — Special Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner — who were deployed at the protest site.

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar visited the hospital where the injured officers are being treated, personally meeting with personnel and enquiring about their well-being. 'Every injury on the uniform bears witness to dedication to duty,' the Commissioner said in a statement. Senior police officials have assured a thorough investigation into the violence.

Background: NEET-UG Row and the 'Sansad Chalo' March

Monday's clashes erupted when thousands of CJP supporters and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding ministerial accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities. Police had already imposed prohibitory orders and erected barricades to prevent the march from proceeding. The situation turned violent when protesters allegedly attempted to breach the barricades. The protest drew students, opposition leaders, and activists calling for systemic accountability in India's education sector.

What Comes Next

Delhi Police have appealed for calm and urged all parties to cooperate with law enforcement. As political and student groups press their agitation, the focus for authorities remains on preventing further violence while prohibitory orders stay in force. Whether Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responds to the resignation demand — or whether the Centre steps in to defuse the standoff — will determine how the situation develops in the coming days.