Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Tuesday, 21 July visited Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital in New Delhi to meet protesters injured in the violent clashes that erupted during the 'Sansad Chalo' march, organised over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The visit came a day after thousands of demonstrators attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.

Background: What Triggered the Violence

Supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students took to the streets demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities, chiefly the NEET-UG paper leak. The march turned violent, leaving several protesters injured and prompting a heavy deployment of police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel at Jantar Mantar.

Nadda's Hospital Visit and Talks with Doctors

Nadda met the injured at both hospitals and inquired about their condition. He also held a separate meeting with doctors at RML Hospital to assess the medical status of those admitted following the clashes. The visit was widely seen as an attempt by the government to signal concern and ease the escalating standoff.

CJP Delegation Meets Nadda, Submits Written Demands

Two CJP representatives met Nadda at his residence on Monday, submitting a written memorandum after two rounds of discussions. According to government sources, the first meeting took place at around 11:50 am, during which the delegation presented its demands verbally. Nadda asked them to formalise the demands in writing. The delegation returned at around 4 pm and handed over the written petition.

CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka outlined three key demands: the unconditional release of social activist Sonam Wangchuk without restrictions on his movement; the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister; and ₹1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET 2026 paper leak controversy.

Government sources confirmed that no assurances were given by Nadda on any of the three demands. However, the minister appealed to protesters to withdraw their month-long sit-in at Jantar Mantar and cooperate with the administration in restoring normalcy near Parliament.

Nadda's Remarks and X Post

When asked about the outcome of the talks while arriving for the NDA's 'Mangal Milan' programme on Tuesday, Nadda said, 'It went well. It always goes well,' without elaborating on any assurances given. He subsequently posted on X that the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and noted that the CJP had itself approached the government seeking talks. He confirmed the delegation submitted its written petition at around 4 pm after extensive discussions.

Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar

Despite the talks, demonstrators remained at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday morning. After police dismantled the protest stage and tents overnight, the protesters reclaimed the area following a renewed call from the CJP to persist with the agitation. A significant police and RAF presence remained deployed at the site. The standoff shows no sign of an immediate resolution, with the government yet to address the core demands on Pradhan's resignation and NEET compensation.