Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday, 24 July visited the student protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, expressing solidarity with demonstrators agitating over the NEET paper leak and demanding accountability from the Central government. The visit marked Pawar's first appearance at the protest, which has been organised under the banner of the Cockroach Janata Party.

Key Developments at the Protest Site

Pawar met with protest leader Abhijeet Deepke and reiterated his party's full support for the movement. He described the agitation as an inclusive satyagraha that has drawn students, parents, and veterans alike, arguing that it signals mounting public pressure on the government.

'This satyagraha began following the NEET paper leak, and this is my first visit to Jantar Mantar for this cause. Students, parents and veterans have all gathered here, demonstrating that pressure is building on the government. I met with Abhijeet bhau to reiterate our support,' Pawar said while addressing the media.

Pawar's Call for CJI Impeachment

In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Pawar demanded the impeachment of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), citing recent remarks by the CJI that he claimed undermine democratic principles. He called on Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to initiate the constitutional process in Parliament.

'While we hold complete faith in the institution of the judiciary, the recent statement by the CJI of the Supreme Court was deeply unfortunate. We respect the constitutional post of the Supreme Court, but we no longer trust the individual holding the office of the CJI,' Pawar remarked. He also demanded the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Condemnation of Police Action

Pawar strongly condemned what he described as a lathi charge on peaceful student protesters, including women, by the Delhi Police. He alleged that the police action was politically motivated and designed to suppress legitimate dissent.

He further alleged a deliberate attempt to frame young demonstrators, claiming, 'Vehicles damaged before July 20 were brought to the site to falsely accuse the youth of vandalism. There is a strong apprehension that similar tactics might be repeated today or tomorrow.' Pawar questioned the integrity of police personnel involved, asking whether they had no regard for the women among the protesters.

Broader Context of the Protest

The demonstrations at Jantar Mantar are part of a wider national outcry over the alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, which has triggered political and judicial scrutiny across the country. This is not the first time opposition leaders have visited the site — the protest has drawn growing political attention as the controversy deepens. The demand for the CJI's impeachment represents a significant escalation beyond earlier calls for administrative accountability. All allegations of police misconduct remain attributed to Pawar and have not been independently verified.

With opposition pressure mounting and student protests continuing, the political fallout from the NEET controversy shows no sign of abating in the near term.