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

New Delhi, India Jul 27, 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 protest has been one of the longest and most significant student-led movements in recent Indian history, highlighting the concerns surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a critical examination for aspiring medical students in India.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organised 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. His health issues were a stark reminder of the physical toll that prolonged activism can take on individuals, especially when they are at the forefront of such intense movements.

"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 on the emotional and physical exhaustion that many activists experience during extended protests. The personal sacrifices made by activists like Dipke and Wangchuk underscore the commitment and determination of individuals who often put their health and wellbeing on the line for a cause they believe in.

The protest, which began on June 20, intensified following police action against demonstrators on July 20 and later drew support from several student organisations and activists, including Wangchuk, who undertook a prolonged hunger strike in solidarity with the movement. This escalation was indicative of the growing frustration among students and their supporters, who felt that their voices were not being heard by the authorities. The police action, which involved the use of force against peaceful protesters, further fueled anger and led to increased media scrutiny of the government's handling of the situation.

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 withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. The issue of mental health and the pressures faced by students in India is a critical concern, and the acknowledgment of the tragic consequences of the NEET paper leak by the government highlights the urgent need for reforms in the education system.

Describing the last 36 days as "really, really difficult", Dipke thanked supporters across the country for standing by the fledgling outfit despite scepticism over its campaign. The support from various student bodies and civil society groups was instrumental in sustaining the momentum of the protest and amplifying the demands of the CJP. The solidarity shown by diverse groups illustrated the widespread discontent with the current state of educational governance in India.

"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, emphasizing the collective effort that went into the protest. This sentiment of gratitude is often echoed in social movements, where the strength of the movement relies heavily on community support and grassroots mobilization.

Dipke also apologised 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 condition served as a reminder of the physical and emotional toll that activism can take, as well as the importance of self-care for those who dedicate themselves to social causes. The need for activists to prioritize their health is a crucial discussion point in the landscape of social movements.

"I have typhoid... That's why I had to come home," he said, thanking those who stayed at the protest site throughout the agitation. The dedication of supporters who remained at the protest site, even as leaders faced health challenges, speaks volumes about the level of commitment and passion that characterized this movement.

In a conciliatory message, Dipke also thanked critics of the movement. "The people who doubted us, criticised us or questioned us... I want to thank them as well. If you hadn't criticised us, we wouldn't have been able to improve," he said. This acknowledgment of criticism reflects a mature perspective on activism, recognizing that constructive criticism can lead to growth and refinement of strategies in social movements.

Calling the campaign "just the beginning", Dipke said the CJP had "a long way to go". The conclusion of this protest may mark a significant moment, but it also sets the stage for future activism and advocacy on educational reforms. The issues raised during this agitation are likely to resonate with many more students and activists across the country, prompting ongoing discussions about the integrity of examinations and the mental health of students.

Wangchuk, who joined the agitation with an indefinite fast and was later admitted to hospital after his health deteriorated, continues to recover at Medanta Hospital. His involvement in the protest not only brought attention to the NEET paper leak but also highlighted broader issues regarding the education system in India, including the need for more accessible and equitable educational opportunities.

As the protest concluded, the familiar signs of a month-long agitation were being erased, with civic workers moving in to restore normalcy. The transition from a protest site back to a public space is often swift, as authorities aim to minimize disruption and restore order in the area. The end of the protest signals a return to routine for many, but it also leaves lingering questions about the effectiveness of governmental responses to public dissent.

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 mechanised equipment to clear nearly 60 metric tonnes of waste left behind after the protest. This clean-up operation is a critical step in restoring the area, but it also serves as a reminder of the physical manifestations of social movements and the impact they have on public spaces.

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. The efforts to clean and restore Jantar Mantar reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its public spaces while also acknowledging the significance of the democratic expression that took place there. The implications of this protest extend beyond the immediate outcomes, as it may influence future policy decisions and spark further movements advocating for educational reforms and student rights in India.