Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Harsh Malhotra on Monday, 20 July squarely blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Indian National Congress (INC), Communist parties, and other opposition groups for the violent demonstrations that rocked Parliament Street and surrounding high-security zones in New Delhi. Malhotra argued that the unrest, carried out in the name of a youth movement, was in reality the product of what he called the 'negative politics' of repeatedly defeated opposition parties.

What Malhotra Said

The Delhi BJP chief charged that opposition parties, having faced repeated electoral setbacks across several states, had grown 'completely frustrated' and were now exploiting youth movements to advance their political interests. He specifically called out the agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, claiming it had been 'reduced to a political conspiracy' driven by the youth wings of AAP and allied parties.

Malhotra maintained that the protests no longer represent students who are genuinely invested in the NEET issue. He appealed to India's youth to 'not become pawns of these defeated and frustrated political parties' and to stay focused on their education and career goals.

Violence on Parliament Street

Trouble broke out in the forenoon of 20 July when supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) — which has been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar since 20 June over alleged NEET irregularities — attempted to march towards Parliament without prior authorisation. Protesters broke through police barricades and turned violent, prompting Delhi Police to deploy mild force and tear gas to prevent an unauthorised advance into the high-security zone.

The clashes left at least 50 law enforcement personnel injured, according to an official statement. Some protesters also sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Police Action and FIRs

By the end of the day, over 70 people had been detained and multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in connection with the violence. Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and mobile videos to identify and prosecute those who participated in what they described as 'unapproved and violent demonstrations.'

'The Delhi Police is registering separate FIRs based on the complaints they are receiving from different places,' an official said.

Background: The NEET Controversy

The NEET examination has been at the centre of a nationwide controversy over alleged paper leaks and irregularities, triggering protests across several cities. The CJP began its sit-in at Jantar Mantar on 20 June, and Monday's march attempt marked a significant escalation. This comes amid broader opposition efforts to build momentum against the ruling government on the examination integrity issue.

Notably, the BJP's framing — attributing student unrest to opposition manipulation rather than systemic exam failures — signals a hardening of the ruling party's posture ahead of what could be a prolonged political standoff over NEET accountability.

What Happens Next

Delhi Police are expected to file additional FIRs as CCTV analysis continues. Political tensions over the NEET controversy show no signs of abating, with opposition parties likely to contest the BJP's characterisation of the protests. The situation on Parliament Street will be closely watched in the coming days.