'We stand with students; those behind the leak racket are jailed': PM Modi as CJP protests over NEET paper leak intensify

It is a humid day in Delhi, with the forecast predicting light showers. But given the political heat that lies ahead, it is unlikely anyone will be bothered about the weather at Jantar Mantar or along the route to Parliament. For now, neither side appears ready to back down — neither the satirical platform Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) nor the government — much like the US-Iran conflict, where hopes of peace have repeatedly been overshadowed despite talks.

Protesters have already assembled at Jantar Mantar and look determined to resume their march towards Parliament. They seem to have the resolve of Spain chasing victory, while the heavy deployment of security personnel is aimed at ensuring there are no breaches in the capital's defences.

Monday's clashes left more than 100 police personnel and over 60 protesters injured after police used lathicharge and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. What Tuesday brings remains uncertain. It all depends on whether restraint prevails or if another round of violence erupts, with batons swinging and stones flying.

The protests stem from the NEET-UG paper leak controversy that shook the credibility of one of India's most important entrance examinations.

On Monday, a CJP delegation met Union Minister J.P. Nadda and presented three key demands: the unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk, with no restrictions on his movement; the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan; and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak.

Although discussions took place, the protest movement is yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

On Tuesday morning, Dharmendra Pradhan offered prayers to his Guru in a post on X, writing: "The foundation of meditation is the Guru's image, the foundation of worship is the Guru's feet, the foundation of mantra is the Guru's words, and the foundation of liberation is the Guru's grace." As the political storm intensifies, the minister will likely need every blessing as his political journey enters an increasingly turbulent phase.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the NEET-UG paper leak as a "grave sin" during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting and said the government was committed to ensuring strict punishment for all those responsible. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister assured NDA MPs that the Centre would leave no stone unturned in bringing the accused to justice and protecting the sanctity of examinations.

Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior NDA leaders attended the alliance's 'Mangal Milan' meeting at the Parliament Annexe on Tuesday ahead of the second day of the Monsoon Session.

Parliament is also set to witness heated exchanges as the Centre pushes a packed legislative agenda while the Opposition seeks discussions on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and other contentious national issues.