Calm Restored at Jantar Mantar After 36-Day NEET Protest Ends

New Delhi, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: The chants fell silent and calm descended on Jantar Mantar on Sunday, a day after the 36-day agitation over irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak ended with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. While CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke recovered from typhoid at home, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk recuperated in a hospital.

The sprawling protest site in the heart of the national capital, which had echoed with slogans, speeches, and fervent activity for more than a month, wore a deserted look as the makeshift tents had disappeared, and the volunteers and supporters had dispersed, leaving behind little trace of the agitation. This marked the end of a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle for educational reforms in India, particularly concerning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which has been a contentious issue for students and parents alike.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organized the protest, shared a photograph of Dipke receiving intravenous fluids and a video message in which he said he had finally slept peacefully after more than a month of relentless campaigning and uncertainty. The protest was sparked by allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination process, including claims of a paper leak that led to widespread anxiety and distress among students preparing for this critical medical entrance examination.

"It feels really good. Today, finally, I could go to sleep and wake up in the bedroom without thinking about what to do next or what will happen till evening. There is no panic," Dipke said, reflecting the emotional toll the protest had taken on him and many involved in the movement. The agitation, which began on June 20, intensified following police action against demonstrators on July 20, leading to a surge in support from various student organizations and activists who rallied behind the cause.

Among the prominent figures supporting the protest was Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known environmentalist and education reform advocate. Wangchuk undertook a prolonged hunger strike in solidarity with the movement, highlighting the dire consequences of the alleged NEET paper leak, which reportedly led to the suicides of several distressed students. His involvement brought significant media attention to the issues at hand, further galvanizing public support for the protest.

The CJP declared on Saturday evening that it was withdrawing its agitation after the government agreed to all its remaining demands, including compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. The decision to end the protest was met with mixed emotions, as many participants expressed relief at the outcome while also mourning the struggles endured during the lengthy agitation.

Describing the last 36 days as "really, really difficult", Dipke thanked supporters across the country for standing by the fledgling outfit despite skepticism over its campaign. "I want to thank each and every supporter... the people who supported us, showed their trust in us and loved us when everybody was doubting us. Without you guys, we wouldn't have been able to achieve this," he said, acknowledging the collective effort that was required to bring about change.

Dipke also apologized to supporters who had gathered at Jantar Mantar on Saturday after the protest ended, saying he could not meet them because he was suffering from typhoid and had a fever of 101 degrees. His health issues highlighted the physical toll that prolonged protests can take on activists, particularly those who devote themselves entirely to the cause.

"I have typhoid... That's why I had to come home," he said, thanking those who stayed at the protest site throughout the agitation. His acknowledgment of the supporters' dedication underscored the community spirit that often characterizes such movements, where individuals come together to advocate for a common cause.

In a conciliatory message, Dipke also thanked critics of the movement. "The people who doubted us, criticized us or questioned us... I want to thank them as well. If you hadn't criticized us, we wouldn't have been able to improve," he said, demonstrating a willingness to engage with dissenting voices and learn from the challenges faced during the protest.

Calling the campaign "just the beginning", Dipke said the CJP had "a long way to go". This statement reflects a broader sentiment among activists who recognize that while victories may be achieved, the fight for educational equity and integrity in examinations is ongoing. The implications of this protest extend beyond the immediate demands; they also signal a growing awareness and mobilization among students regarding their rights and the accountability of educational institutions.

Wangchuk, who joined the agitation with an indefinite fast and was later admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated, continues to recover at Medanta Hospital. His involvement in the protest has revitalized discussions around educational reforms in India, particularly concerning the transparency and fairness of entrance examinations.

As the protest concluded, the familiar signs of a month-long agitation were being erased, with civic workers moving in to restore normalcy. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) launched a massive round-the-clock clean-up operation at and around Jantar Mantar, deploying over 100 sanitation workers, heavy vehicles, and mechanized equipment to clear nearly 60 metric tonnes of waste left behind after the protest. The clean-up efforts not only signify the end of the agitation but also represent a return to the everyday life of the capital, where civic order is prioritized.

Officials said around 52 metric tonnes of waste had already been removed by Sunday afternoon. "Roads were being washed with pressure-jetting machines, while walls bearing protest slogans were repainted and damaged footpaths and curbstones repaired to restore the area after protesters dispersed," an NDMC official said. This swift restoration effort indicates the city's commitment to maintaining its public spaces while also highlighting the impact of large-scale protests on urban environments.

The resolution of the NEET protest serves as a case study for future movements in India, illustrating the potential for collective action to influence policy and highlight systemic issues within the educational framework. As the dust settles at Jantar Mantar, the discussions surrounding educational reform, mental health awareness, and the accountability of institutions are likely to continue, fueled by the momentum generated during this significant protest.