Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Council of Ministers on Saturday, saying his decision was driven by the need to ensure that students are not caught in what he described as a “web of confusion” amid the continuing NEET-UG 2026 controversy.

His resignation comes as protests over the examination continue across the country. In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan said the issue had moved beyond personal considerations and that the country’s youth should be allowed to focus on their education without further uncertainty.

Dharmendra Pradhan says students’ future must remain the priority

Pradhan said he had spent more than four decades working with students, teachers and education reforms. He described a strong and inclusive education system as the foundation of nation-building.

“The events of the past 10 days have saddened me. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me… It is my resolve that we will not allow the country’s youth power to become trapped in a web of confusion. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces… Keeping these considerations in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister,” he wrote.

Minister recounts Centre’s response to NEET-UG controversy

Referring to the alleged irregularities in the May 3 NEET-UG examination, Pradhan said the Union government acted immediately after the issue surfaced.

“However, irregularities were found in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognisance of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, and announced a date for the re-examination. Along with this, it was decided that from next year onwards, the examination would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode,” he said.

He said the government’s focus throughout the episode was to ensure that the re-examination was conducted smoothly for more than two million candidates.

“During this period, our primary concern was to ensure that the examination for more than two million students was conducted smoothly… From the very first day, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. My resolve was that we would not allow the prospects of any meritorious student to be harmed because of the examination controversy,” he said.

pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026

Pradhan alleges attempts to mislead students

The Sambalpur MP said the NEET-UG results declared on July 16 reflected the performance of deserving candidates, including students from economically weaker backgrounds.

“The NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds also achieving success,” he said.

Pradhan also alleged that some people holding positions of responsibility had sought to mislead students during the controversy.

“However, during this period, several individuals in positions of responsibility tried to create obstacles and mislead students, which deeply saddened me,” he wrote.

Resignation comes amid continuing protests

The resignation comes against the backdrop of nationwide protests over the examination controversy. It also follows activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing legislation aimed at tackling examination paper leaks. According to the government, the proposed law will provide for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force and other measures intended to curb such offences.

Police fired tear gas in Patna, protesters allegedly threw stones at officers in Chapra and two policemen were injured in Aurangabad as Bihar Bandh demonstrations over the NEET examination row turned violent in several districts on Saturday.

JJD national president Tej Pratap Yadav was detained after joining protesting students at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Police also reported vandalism in the state capital, while road blockades and protest marches disrupted movement elsewhere.

The demonstrators are seeking reforms in the examination system and action over alleged irregularities. They have also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Police fire tear gas after Patna protest turns violent

A traffic police booth was vandalised during the protest in Patna. Police vehicles were also damaged and toppled, according to reports from the demonstration.

Stone-pelting was reported during a clash between protesters and police. Officers fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Security had been tightened at Gandhi Maidan and other sensitive locations before the statewide shutdown. Police also conducted flag marches in Patna.

Stone-pelting alleged during Chapra protest

Tension gripped Chapra in Saran district after officials said demonstrators threw stones at police personnel.

Saran District Magistrate Vaibhava Srivastava and Senior Superintendent of Police Vineet Kumar reached the area with additional personnel.

Police dispersed the demonstrators and said the law-and-order situation had been brought under control. Tension, however, persisted in the area.

Two policemen were separately reported injured during protests in Aurangabad.

Tej Pratap Yadav detained at Gandhi Maidan

Tej Pratap Yadav joined students protesting at Gandhi Maidan before police detained him.

“The children’s demands are legitimate. The government must fulfil their demands, and we stand firmly with them. I am ready to lay down my life for the students and youth,” Yadav told reporters during his detention.

The demonstrations continued across the state, with protesters raising slogans against the handling of alleged examination irregularities.

Siwan standoff resolved after talks

Siwan briefly witnessed tension after protesters attempted to block roads and persuade shopkeepers to close their businesses.

Police intervened and asked demonstrators not to obstruct roads used by commuters and emergency services. The intervention led to an argument, with protesters accusing the administration of disrupting a peaceful demonstration.

Additional personnel were deployed as the situation grew tense. Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha then held talks with the demonstrators and persuaded them to proceed along a designated route.

The crowd later dispersed peacefully.

Several private school buses remained off the roads as a precaution. Some businesses also delayed opening. Police patrols continued around intersections, the railway station, the bus stand and other sensitive locations.

Road blocked in Samastipur, students detained in Madhepura

Members of the All India Students’ Association blocked the Samastipur-Patna main road as part of the shutdown.

In Gaya, supporters of AISA and the Revolutionary Youth Association held marches over the alleged paper leak and the condition of the education system. Some markets were partially affected, while essential services continued to operate.

Police detained several students in Madhepura. Officials described the detentions as a precaution intended to preserve public order.

Flag marches were also conducted in Jehanabad, while security personnel remained stationed at key locations across the state.

Authorities said peaceful demonstrations would be permitted but warned that violence, vandalism and attempts to obstruct essential services would invite legal action.

More than 400 social-media handles allegedly operated from Pakistan have been blocked for spreading AI-generated material and false content about the continuing student protests, Delhi Police said on Saturday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said the accounts circulated deepfake videos, edited photographs and manipulated visual content. Some of the handles had also allegedly spread misinformation during Operation Sindoor.

Police claim Pakistan-operated accounts spread protest misinformation

Singh said Delhi Police were working with other agencies to identify additional accounts connected with the alleged misinformation campaign.

“Our investigation also revealed that some social media accounts operated from Pakistan are spreading fake content. Delhi Police, in collaboration with the concerned agencies, is continuously working to identify more such accounts,” he said.

“More than 400 such handles have been identified so far and blocked for spreading AI-generated content, deepfake videos, edited photos and other false content related to the protests,” the DCP added.

#WATCH | Delhi: DCP Central Rohit Rajbir Singh says, “Our investigation also revealed that some social media accounts operated from Pakistan are spreading fake content. Delhi Police, in collaboration with the concerned agencies, is continuously working to identify more such… https://t.co/Z1XAl9jTic pic.twitter.com/WyjvVx5MTf

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2026

Accounts allegedly manipulated officers’ statements

Police said some of the identified handles had previously circulated false information during Operation Sindoor.

“Some such handles were also found active in spreading fake information during Operation Sindoor. These social media accounts tried to mislead people by editing official statements of several senior officers and manipulating visual content,” Singh said.

Police warn about fake posts on Instagram

Singh said inaccurate videos, photographs and posts were spreading rapidly across social-media platforms, particularly Instagram.

He urged users to verify material before forwarding it and said Delhi Police were monitoring online content related to the demonstrations.

“Information on social media goes viral very quickly, but not every post, video, or photo is necessarily accurate. It is extremely important to fact-check any information before trusting it or sharing it further,” the DCP said.

Police social-media accounts are also being used to flag suspected deepfakes, edited clips and misleading posts, he added.

Delhi Police reject protester death claim

The DCP cited a viral claim alleging that a protester had died during the July 20 demonstrations as an example of false information.

“During the protest, there was no death of anybody,” he said.

Delhi Police had earlier issued a clarification saying the injured woman referred to in the posts was alive and receiving treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

“The attending doctors have confirmed that her condition is stable and that she is out of danger,” the police notice said.

The misinformation warning comes amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.

The Cockroach Janta Party has been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar for several weeks. Delhi Police have installed additional barricades around the protest site as part of heightened security arrangements.

Twenty-seven years have passed since India emerged victorious in the Kargil War, reclaiming its mountain peaks from Pakistani intruders during Operation Vijay.

The nation has moved on. Generations have changed and the battlefields have fallen silent.

But for the families of the soldiers who never returned, time has remained frozen in the summer of 1999.

On the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army offered the next of kin (NoKs) of the martyrs something deeply personal: a piece of the very land where their loved ones fought their final battle.

In an emotional ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, 40 urns containing sacred soil collected from battlefields across the Drass, Kargil and Batalik sectors were presented to the families of Kargil martyrs.

The gesture was both a solemn remembrance and a tangible connection to the mountains where India’s bravehearts shed their blood in defence of the nation.

Many family members held the urns close, tears welling up as they realised they were taking home soil from the very ground where their fathers, husbands and sons had made the supreme sacrifice.

Earlier, a 30-member motorcycle expedition, flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the National War Memorial in New Delhi, carried an urn containing sacred soil to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

The ceremonial merging of soil from the two memorials represented the nation’s enduring bond with its fallen soldiers.

“When the soil from here unites with the one in Kargil, it would symbolise the confluence of the reverence of the nation’s current generation and the valour of the nation’s heroes,” Singh had said while flagging off the expedition.

The Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, witnessed some of the fiercest high-altitude battles in military history along the Line of Control.

The conflict spanned the Drass, Kargil, Batalik, Mushkoh Valley and Kaksar sectors.

Indian soldiers fought to recapture strategic heights including Tiger Hill, Tololing, Point 5140, Point 4875, Point 5203, Point 4812, Khalubar Ridge and Jubar Top.

Perched between 15,000 and 18,000 feet, these positions overlooked the vital Srinagar-Leh Highway. They had been occupied by Pakistani forces and intruders, prompting India to launch Operation Vijay.

For 26-year-old Md Afzal, the Kargil War is not just a chapter in India’s military history, it is the story of a father he never got to meet.

Standing at the Kargil War Memorial during the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, Afzal remembered his father, Lance Naik Mohd Aslam of 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI), who laid down his life on July 3, 1999. Afzal was born two months later.

There is only one wish he has carried all his life. “I have never seen him. I have grown up hearing stories about him from my mother, relatives and the soldiers who served with him,” he said, struggling to hold back tears. “If I could meet him just once… I would only want to call him ‘Abbu’. I never got the chance to say that even once.”

His voice faltered as he spoke of growing up without a father’s presence. “Everyone was there for me, but no one could fill that place. I missed having a father figure in my life. People tell me he was very humble, always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. I just wish I could have met him once.”

Lance Naik Mohd Aslam displayed extraordinary courage during Operation Vijay. On the night of June 30-July 1, 1999, he was part of the assault team led by Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum that recaptured the strategically important Point 4812 in the Batalik sector after fierce close-quarter combat against heavily fortified Pakistani positions. Gravely injured during the battle, he succumbed to his wounds on July 3, 1999.

For 35-year-old Sweety, daughter of Havildar Kartar Singh of 12 JAK LI, the memories are different. Unlike Afzal, she remembers her father. She was nine years old when he came home to Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir in April 1999, unaware it would be his final visit before heading to war.

“Papa used to play so much with us,” she recalled with a faint smile. “Whenever he came home on leave, my siblings and I would get so excited. He would take us to the fields and work there himself. He loved farming as much as he loved being a soldier.”

Her mother, Kaushalya Devi, has spent the last 27 years raising four children on her own. “If I meet him today, I will tell him that I have fulfilled every responsibility he left behind,” she said with quiet dignity. “I raised our four children, educated them and settled them in life. I am sure he would be proud of us.”

Havildar Kartar Singh was among the soldiers who fought under Captain Amol Kalia to capture the strategically vital Point 5203 in the Batalik sector. Battling at an altitude of nearly 17,000 feet under relentless enemy fire, the team fought one of the fiercest engagements of the war. Havildar Kartar Singh succumbed to his injuries on June 10, 1999, after the operation that became a turning point in the battle for Batalik.

For 27-year-old Gaurav Yadav from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, memories exist only through photographs. He was barely one-and-a-half years old when his father, Sepoy Sanjay Singh Yadav of 13 Kumaon, was martyred.

Asked what he would do if given one last chance to meet his father, Gaurav did not hesitate. “I would hug him tightly and never let him go again. I can’t let go of the man who sacrificed everything for me and my mother.”

Thirty-one-year-old Sunil Malik remembers his father, Naik Bhim Singh, as a strict disciplinarian. He was nine when his father laid down his life during the battle to capture Tiger Hill. “We were scared of him as children because he was strict,” Malik recalled with a smile. “But today, if I could meet him, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would tell him everything that is in my heart. I would hug him and tell him how much I love him and how much his absence has affected us.”

The thought of visiting Tiger Hill, where his father fought his last battle, still overwhelms him. “No matter how many years have passed, I am still not prepared to stand at that place. Even deciding to come for the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations was emotionally very difficult. Being here today is overwhelming.”

It was a reminder that while the Kargil War ended 27 years ago, its echoes still live on, in children who never heard their fathers’ voices, in wives who kept promises made decades ago, and in families who continue to carry both the pride of sacrifice and the pain of an empty chair at home.

India’s sub-junior men’s team continued its dominant run at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 with two commanding victories on Friday, defeating hosts Oman 10-1 before outclassing arch-rivals Pakistan 7-3 in a high-scoring contest.

The Indian women’s side, meanwhile, fought hard but suffered a 6-3 defeat to China in their Elite Pool fixture despite matching their opponents in an entertaining first half.

India overpower Pakistan in high-scoring clash

In the day’s marquee fixture, India delivered an attacking masterclass to defeat Pakistan 7-3 and strengthen their campaign in Muscat.

India raced into a 3-0 lead before the break through goals from Romit Pal (8′), Karan Gautam (10′) and captain Ketan Kushwaha (10′), leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb.

The Indians maintained the intensity after half-time as Prahalad Rajbhar (12′) made it 4-0. Pakistan responded through Muhammad Usman (12′, 15′) and skipper Adeel (17′), but India never lost control of the contest. Goals from Shahrukh Ali (16′), Rahul Yadav (18′) and Kushwaha (20′) wrapped up a convincing four-goal victory.

Ten-goal blitz against hosts Oman

Earlier in the day, India opened Friday’s action with a clinical 10-1 win over hosts Oman.

The visitors stormed into a 6-0 half-time lead, with Shahrukh Ali (3′, 10′) and Ketan Kushwaha (6′, 8′) scoring twice each, while Karan Gautam (2′) and Prahalad Rajbhar (3′) also found the net.

India continued their dominance after the interval as Kushwaha completed a four-goal haul with strikes in the 11th and 19th minutes. Gautam (15′) and Rajbhar (16′) added their second goals before Khazraj Subait Subait Al-Mashrafi (20′) grabbed a late consolation for Oman.

Indian women lose to China despite bright start

The Indian women’s team made an encouraging start against China, with Sandeepa Kumari (1′) opening the scoring before Kiran Ekka (3′, 6′) struck twice to help India finish the first half level at 3-3.

China, however, took control after the break. Guo Jiaxin completed a hat-trick with goals in the 13th and 20th minutes, while Lu Tongtong added her second of the match to seal a 6-3 victory.

The FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 also serves as the continental qualifying tournament for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.

The Cockroach Janta Party has demanded the immediate removal of restrictions it alleges are preventing people and essential supplies from reaching protesters at Jantar Mantar.

In a statement shared by chief spokesperson Saurav Das, the CJP accused Delhi Police of detaining and intimidating citizens travelling to the demonstration. It claimed the measures had created an atmosphere of “fear and siege” around the protest site.

CJP alleges citizens detained on way to Jantar Mantar

The party called upon Delhi Police to stop what it described as the unlawful detention of people attempting to join the demonstrations.

“The Cockroach Janta Party demands that the @DelhiPolice immediately cease and desist from unlawfully detaining, intimidating or preventing citizens from reaching Jantar Mantar and refrain from creating an atmosphere of fear and siege around Jantar Mantar,” Das wrote on X.

Food, water and medicines allegedly being stopped

The CJP claimed volunteers carrying food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies were being prevented from reaching the protest site.

It said students, parents, teachers and other citizens had been protesting peacefully for more than a month over examination paper leaks, recruitment failures and deaths by suicide among students.

“Instead of facilitating a peaceful democratic protest, the Delhi Police appears to have chosen the path of intimidation,” the party said.

“This is nothing short of laying siege to Jantar Mantar,” it added.

CJP asks Delhi Police commissioner to intervene

The party urged the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to direct officers to stop the alleged detentions and intimidation.

It also demanded access for volunteers, family members, lawyers, journalists and medical personnel.

The CJP said Jantar Mantar was a designated space for democratic dissent and argued that protesters were exercising their constitutional right to assemble and express their views peacefully.

‘No authority has the right to starve citizens’

The party asked Delhi Police to uphold what it called the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

“Governments may disagree with protests. But no authority has the constitutional right to starve, isolate or lay siege to peaceful citizens,” the statement said.

“The Constitution belongs to the people. Jantar Mantar belongs to the people. The police exist to protect both — not to lay siege to either,” it added.

Ashutosh Ranka echoes supply allegations

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka separately alleged that the police were obstructing people attempting to carry food and other assistance to the protesters.

“Dear Delhi Police, do whatever you want. You cannot stop people from coming to Jantar Mantar. You cannot stop people from having food. You cannot stop people from helping us. Most importantly, you cannot stop Pradhan’s resignation. He is going,” Ranka wrote on X.

His allegations have also not been independently established.

Protest continues over Pradhan’s resignation

The CJP has said it will continue the agitation until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Its representatives held a nearly two-hour meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Friday. The party claimed the government sought time until Saturday afternoon to consider the resignation demand.

The talks followed activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance concerning the NEET examination issue and reforms to the competitive testing system.

Access to Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital is being controlled by police personnel posted from the main entrance to the ICU floor, his wife Gitanjali J Angmo alleged on Saturday.

Angmo questioned the legal basis for the restrictions after the Delhi High Court had clarified that Wangchuk was not under detention. She claimed police personnel were deciding who could meet the activist while he remained in intensive care after ending a 26-day hunger strike.

Police at gate, lifts and ICU, Angmo alleges

Angmo said police had maintained a presence around Wangchuk at both Safdarjung Hospital and Medanta Hospital.

“At both Safdarjung and now Medanta, police are everywhere. At the main gate. The reception. The lifts. Outside @Wangchuk66’s ICU. They decide who may or may not meet him,” she wrote on X.

Her allegations about police controlling visitors have not been independently verified.

‘Is the role of police to protect or control citizens?’

Angmo said the deployment appeared inconsistent with the court’s finding that her husband was not being detained.

“If the Court has clarified that he is not under detention, then under what authority is this happening? In an enlightened democracy, is the role of the police to protect citizens and uphold the law, or to control citizens on behalf of those in power? These are questions every Indian should be asking,” she said.

The court had earlier described Wangchuk as a free citizen and said he was not under detention.

At both Safdarjung and now Medanta, police are everywhere. At the main gate. The reception. The lifts. Outside @Wangchuk66’s ICU. They decide who may or may not meet him.
If the Court has clarified that he is not under detention, then under what authority is this happening?
In an… pic.twitter.com/CmZNYqWTHN

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 25, 2026

Sonam Wangchuk ended 26-day hunger strike

Wangchuk ended his hunger strike on Friday after receiving a written assurance from the Union government concerning the NEET examination issue and proposed reforms to the competitive testing system.

He broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

Angmo had earlier said Wangchuk was in the ICU after losing 11 kg, including muscle mass, during the fast.

“He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort,” she wrote while asking critics to show compassion.

Wangchuk rejects claims of a deal

Wangchuk also responded to criticism over his decision to end the hunger strike.

In a video message, he questioned why he should have to obtain a “character certificate” to establish the sincerity of his protest or prove that he had not reached a personal deal with the government.

He said his organs and brain had approached the point of irreversible damage during the fast.

CJP alleges food access being obstructed

The Cockroach Janta Party has said its agitation will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka separately alleged that Delhi Police were attempting to prevent supporters from delivering food and other assistance to demonstrators at Jantar Mantar.

“Dear Delhi Police, do whatever you want. You cannot stop people from coming to Jantar Mantar. You cannot stop people from having food. You cannot stop people from helping us. Most importantly, you cannot stop Pradhan’s resignation. He is going,” Ranka wrote on X.

His allegations about restrictions on food and assistance at the protest site have not been independently verified.

CJP representatives said the government sought time until Saturday afternoon to consider the demand for Pradhan’s resignation after a nearly two-hour meeting with Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar after the Indian athlete won the country’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, securing bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event in Glasgow.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister praised Jhandu’s resilience and dedication, saying his achievement reflected years of hard work and perseverance while inspiring millions across the country.

“A spectacular performance by Jhandu Kumar, who has opened India’s medal tally at the #CWG2026 by winning a Bronze in the Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event! Congratulations to him. His achievement is a powerful reflection of immense strength, unwavering determination and years of disciplined effort. By overcoming every challenge and excelling on the international stage, he has made the entire nation proud and inspired countless Indians,” Modi wrote.

A spectacular performance by Jhandu Kumar, who has opened India’s medal tally at the #CWG2026 by winning a Bronze in the Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event! Congratulations to him. His achievement is a powerful reflection of immense strength, unwavering determination and… pic.twitter.com/kMdkU6RRAF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2026

Jhandu opens India’s medal account in Glasgow

Jhandu claimed bronze with a best successful lift of 190kg, earning 130.9 points to hand India its first podium finish of the Glasgow Games.

The Indian lifter opened with a successful 181kg lift for 124.7 points before improving to 190kg on his second attempt, briefly moving to the top of the standings.

With gold still within reach, Jhandu opted for 196kg on his final attempt—a lift that would have surpassed the Commonwealth Games record set at Birmingham 2022. However, he was unable to complete the lift and ultimately settled for the bronze medal.

The result also marked India’s first para powerlifting medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Mixed fortunes for other Indian para powerlifters

Earlier, Ashok narrowly missed out on the podium after finishing fourth in the men’s lightweight event with a personal-best lift of 200kg, scoring 143.8 points. Paramjeet Kumar placed seventh in the same category with a best lift of 176kg.

In the women’s lightweight competition, Jaspreet Kaur finished sixth with a successful lift of 100kg, while Suman Devi placed seventh after also lifting 100kg.

Meanwhile, Kasthuri Rajamani endured a disappointing outing in the women’s heavyweight category, failing to register a valid lift after three unsuccessful attempts.

Moving Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry will not end the student agitation, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday after meeting protesters who had undertaken a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha backed three demands described by the students as non-negotiable. They include Pradhan’s removal as Union Education Minister, action against those responsible for the lathi-charge on protesters and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi rejects possible transfer for Pradhan

Gandhi claimed there was discussion within the Union Cabinet about shifting Pradhan to another ministry. He said such a move would not be accepted by the protesters.

“There are three non-negotiable demands — first, the Education Minister, who is corrupt, incompetent, and misaligned, has to be sacked. There is some talk going on in Mr Modi’s Cabinet that the solution is to move Mr Dharmendra Pradhan to some other Ministry; this is not acceptable to the students of India or anybody,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi said the minister had become a symbol of the damage caused to students’ prospects by examination paper leaks and alleged irregularities.

“There is going to be no conversation of Mr Dharmendra Pradhan being moved anywhere… Mr Dharmendra Pradhan has to be sacked. Period,” he said.

Rahul seeks accountability for lathi-charge

The Congress leader also demanded action against those who planned and carried out the police response to the demonstrations.

“There are thousands and thousands of youngsters who have had lathis break their heads and legs; pellets in their bodies. The organisers and implementors need to be punished and made accountable,” Gandhi said.

PM Modi must apologise to students, Rahul says

Gandhi placed responsibility for the government’s handling of the protests on the Prime Minister and demanded an apology.

“The third thing is the leader of the entire machinery who is doing this — Mr Narendra Modi — has to apologise for what he has done to the students and the future of this country,” he said.

He also criticised the Prime Minister’s video message seeking suggestions from young people. Gandhi said the protests were centred on specific demands rather than requests for suggestions.

‘The past cannot fight the future’

Gandhi told the protesters that detentions, administrative action and threats should not force them to withdraw.

“Do whatever you want; detain, threaten, but we will not back off. They will not back off. They are the future of India; no one can fight them. Narendra Modi is India’s past, and the past cannot fight the future,” he said.

He accused the government system of attempting to discourage students from continuing the agitation.

DU and JNU advisories draw criticism

Gandhi was responding in part to advisories issued by Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University over participation in the Jantar Mantar demonstrations.

The universities advised students against joining or visiting the gatherings. The notices cited safety concerns and warned of possible legal or disciplinary consequences.

Gandhi described the advisories as part of an attempt by the system to intimidate the protesters.

CJP says agitation will continue

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has separately said the agitation will continue until Pradhan steps down.

The statement came after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday. Wangchuk broke his fast after receiving a written assurance from the Union government concerning the NEET examination issue and proposed reforms to the competitive testing system.

CJP representatives said the government sought time until Saturday afternoon to consider their demand for Pradhan’s resignation after talks with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is on the verge of joining Chilean giants Colo Colo after the club reached an agreement to sign the veteran shot-stopper following his standout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 40-year-old free agent is expected to travel to Chile in the coming days to undergo a medical before completing the move and being officially unveiled at the Estadio Monumental.

Colo Colo president Aníbal Mosa confirmed that the deal is progressing as planned and said Vozinha would soon arrive in Chile to finalise the transfer.

“We expect him to travel in the coming days, complete the medical examinations and then be presented at the Estadio Monumental,” Mosa told reporters before Colo Colo’s league match against Deportes Limache.

World Cup hero Vozinha earns dream move

Vozinha emerged as one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after entering the tournament as a free agent following his departure from Portuguese second-tier side Chaves.

The experienced goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding displays to help Cape Verde enjoy a memorable campaign and was later voted into FIFA’s fan-selected World Cup Dream Team.

His performances included a clean sheet against eventual champions Spain in the group stage and a heroic display against runners-up Argentina, taking the Round of 32 contest into extra time with a series of crucial saves.

Colo Colo tease imminent signing

While the transfer has not yet been officially announced, Colo Colo fuelled speculation by sharing a social media post featuring what appeared to be Vozinha’s trademark curly hair, prompting excitement among supporters.

Mosa acknowledged that the goalkeeper’s World Cup heroics played a major role in the club’s decision to sign him, while also admitting the move is expected to generate significant commercial interest.

The transfer marks another remarkable chapter in Vozinha’s career, with the Cape Verde international set to join one of South America’s most decorated clubs after becoming one of the surprise stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Facial-recognition cameras deployed at Jantar Mantar have identified more than 2,000 people with criminal records among those arriving at the protest site, Delhi Police sources claimed on Saturday. The Cockroach Janta Party responded by threatening to publicly identify officers it has accused of assaulting students.

The surveillance comes after the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march ended in clashes near Parliament. Police sources said at least 130 personnel and around 65 students were injured. Fifteen FIRs have been registered over incidents connected to the demonstrations.

Police claim FRS flagged over 2,000 at Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police sources said Facial Recognition System cameras were being used to identify people described by them as “anti-social elements” entering the protest area.

Police claimed that more than 2,000 people with previous criminal records had been identified through the system. The claim has not been independently verified.

Sources estimated that about 10,000 people were present on average at Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain security and monitor those arriving at the site.

CJP vows to identify officers accused of assault

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka countered the police disclosure with allegations of violence against protesters. He said the organisation would prepare its own list of police personnel and release it publicly.

“We too will give a list of Police personnel to Delhi Police, who cracked open the heads of children, dragged them on streets, broke the ribs of our volunteers and slapped young girls. We will identify them not through FRS but through public. We will make it public. Let’s see what Delhi Police have to say to that,” Ranka told ANI.

The allegations against individual police personnel have not been independently established.

15 FIRs registered after July 20 clashes

The confrontation began when protesters participating in the July 20 march attempted to move from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.

Barricades were erected along the route. Police subsequently used tear gas and carried out lathi-charges.

Delhi Police blamed stone-pelting and the escalation of violence on people it described as anti-social elements. The CJP and other critics have accused the police of using excessive force. Legal petitions have also been filed over the police action.

Also Read: CJP Parliament march: Delhi Police invoke attempt-to-murder charge over July 20 violence near Rail Bhavan

Cases invoke BNS, Arms Act and public property law

FIRs registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations include provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The Parliament Street Police Station FIR invokes BNS Sections 223(b), 221 and 132. These provisions cover disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, obstruction of a public servant and the use of assault or criminal force to prevent an official from performing public duties.

Security remains heightened around Jantar Mantar as the demonstrations continue.

An attempt-to-murder charge has escalated the legal fallout from the July 20 clashes near Parliament, with a Delhi Police FIR alleging that protesters surrounded officers and attacked them with the intention of causing death.

The case was registered at Kartavya Path Police Station over violence reported on Rafi Marg near the Rail Bhavan roundabout. Thirteen provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been invoked, including Section 109(1), which covers attempt to murder.

Attempt-to-murder charge invoked in Rafi Marg FIR

The FIR was registered on the complaint of an inspector posted at Kartavya Path Police Station.

The officer said he had been deployed at Zone 11 near the Pink Booth at Kartavya Path’s C-Hexagon from 5 am on the day of the Cockroach Janta Party’s “Sansad Chalo” march.

After receiving a wireless message, the police team moved towards barricades near the Rail Bhavan roundabout. The complaint said thousands of protesters had assembled in the area.

FIR alleges protesters tried to break Parliament barricades

According to the police version, repeated loudspeaker announcements informed the crowd that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force.

The gathering was also told that no permission had been granted for a march towards Parliament, the FIR states.

Police alleged that the protesters continued sloganeering and refused to disperse. The complaint claimed that some people then urged the crowd to break through the barricades and move towards Parliament.

Police allege officers were surrounded and attacked

The inspector alleged that protesters surrounded police personnel, assaulted them and threw stones and slippers.

The FIR claims the officers were attacked with the intention of causing their death. Several police personnel were injured, according to the complaint.

Damage to government property and private vehicles has also been alleged.

These allegations form the police complainant’s account and remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.

Delhi Police said any allegations raised by the CJP or another individual or organisation over the incident would also be examined. The findings would be made public, it added.

FIR describes lathi-charge as ‘mild’

The police complaint said force was used because of the proximity of Parliament and other sensitive installations.

It described the police response as a “mild lathi-charge” and said tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd.

The FIR also invokes provisions covering assault and hurt to public servants, obstruction of government duty, unlawful assembly, rioting, damage to public property and acts endangering human life.

Police and protesters injured in July 20 clashes

The Delhi Police said 129 personnel and more than 60 protesters were injured during the July 20 confrontations.

The clashes occurred during the CJP-led march towards Parliament amid demonstrations over alleged examination irregularities.

Around 15 FIRs have been registered so far over incidents linked to the protest at different locations in central Delhi.

Following the violence, Delhi Police deployed 18 Deputy Commissioners of Police across different routes as part of enhanced security arrangements.

India’s Anahat Singh moved one win away from a historic maiden World Junior Squash Championships title after defeating Egypt’s Barb Sameh in the women’s singles semifinal on Friday to become the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final.

The top seed produced a composed performance to overcome the third/fourth seed 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6, ending India’s long wait for a finalist since Joshna Chinappa reached the title clash in 2005.

Anahat made a flying start, racing through the opening game 11-3 with aggressive shot-making and tight control. Sameh responded by taking the second game 11-8 to level the contest, but the Indian quickly regained momentum, dominating the next two games to seal her place in Saturday’s final.

Anahat Singh one win away from creating history

Victory in the final would make the 18-year-old the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships women’s singles title.

“I’m really happy. I played Barb a few months ago at the British Junior Open, and it was a close match like this, so I knew I’d have to play really well,” Anahat said after the match.

“I didn’t play my best yesterday, and I knew I had to come out today and show what I can do on court. I’ve played in four World Juniors and lost in the quarters and semis, so reaching the final has made my parents and coaches really happy, but the tournament’s not over yet.”

Ruqayya Salem stands between Anahat and the title

Standing between Anahat and a historic crown is Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem, who booked her place in the final with an 11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 victory over compatriot Malika Elkaraksy.

Salem, who failed to qualify for last year’s championships, produced a determined display to reach the biggest match of her junior career.

“I’m speechless right now. I’ve worked so hard for this moment. Not qualifying for the event last year was devastating. I knew coming into this event that I wanted to make that pain worth it. I’m so happy to make it to the final,” she said.

Zakaria chases third straight men’s World Junior title

In the men’s draw, Egyptian top seed Mohamad Zakaria stayed on course for a third World Junior crown after defeating compatriot Selfeldin Refaay in straight games to reach his fourth consecutive final.

He will take on second seed Adam Hawal, who progressed after Marwan Assal retired injured during their semifinal with Hawal already leading by two games.

The 2026 World Junior Squash Championships finals will be played on Saturday, with Anahat aiming to script history by becoming the first Indian to lift the prestigious women’s singles trophy.

Prashant Kishor has received Tej Pratap Yadav’s support in the Bankipur Assembly by-election, giving the Jan Suraaj founder an additional political boost in his attempt to break the BJP’s long hold over the Patna constituency.

The Janshakti Janata Dal president also appealed to the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s candidate for cooperation, even as the RJD remains in the contest. Bankipur will vote on July 30, with results due on August 3.

Tej Pratap Yadav backs Prashant Kishor

Yadav announced his support for Kishor while speaking to reporters on Friday.

“It started raining the moment we announced our support to Prashant Kishor… In Bankipur, the right candidate should win,” he said.

Kishor is contesting the by-election as the Jan Suraaj Party candidate. The poll marks his attempt to enter an Assembly constituency that the BJP has controlled for more than 15 years.

JJD seeks support from RJD candidate Rekha Kumari

Yadav also appealed to Rekha Kumari, also known as Rekha Gupta, to support the front backed by his party.

“The RJD also has a candidate there, Rekha Gupta; we want her to support us as well,” he said.

Rekha Kumari is contesting on an RJD ticket, leaving the opposition vote divided between her and Kishor as polling approaches.

BJP fields Neeraj Kumar Sinha in Bankipur

The BJP is defending the seat with Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its candidate.

The party initially selected Abhishek Kumar Sinha, who subsequently withdrew from the election citing family reasons. Neeraj Kumar Sinha was then brought in as his replacement.

Bhojpuri singer-actor and BJP MLC Pawan Singh has joined the campaign for Sinha, describing the candidate as his brother.

“I have come to my home. I have come for my brother. I will go and request my family to bless my brother Neeraj. Blessings are pouring in,” Singh said.

Prashant Kishor challenges BJP’s Bankipur record

Bankipur had been represented by Nitin Nabin since 2010. The by-election became necessary after he resigned from the Bihar Legislative Assembly following his election to the Rajya Sabha.

Nabin is now the BJP’s national president.

Kishor is seeking to end the BJP’s winning streak in the constituency, while the ruling party is relying on its established organisation and long electoral record in the seat.

Bankipur bypoll voting and result dates

The Election Commission announced the by-election for the 182-Bankipur Assembly constituency alongside polls in Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Manjalpur in Gujarat.

Nominations closed on July 13, scrutiny was conducted on July 14, and the withdrawal deadline ended on July 16.

Voting will take place on July 30. Votes will be counted on August 3.

India’s Jadumani Singh Mandengbam made an impressive start to his Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign, defeating Scotland’s Aaron Cullen by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the men’s 55kg Round of 32 to book his place in the pre-quarterfinals.

Competing against the home favourite at the SEC in Glasgow, the 22-year-old Indian remained composed throughout the contest, controlling the bout with sharp combinations, effective footwork and disciplined defence. Jadumani won every round on all five judges’ scorecards, sealing an emphatic 30-27 victory across the board.

The dominant performance sends Jadumani into the Round of 16, where he will face Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals. Rehman progressed directly to the pre-quarterfinals after receiving a first-round bye.

Jadumani, who claimed silver in the 50kg category at last year’s World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida, has stepped up to the 55kg division this season. He was also the first Indian boxer to take the ring for the country at the Glasgow Games.

Jadumani to face Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman in Round of 16

The victory sets up a high-profile pre-quarterfinal against Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman, with a place in the last eight on the line. Jadumani will enter the bout brimming with confidence after a commanding opening-round display in which he barely allowed Cullen to settle into a rhythm.

India have fielded a 14-member boxing squad in Glasgow, comprising seven men and seven women, and will be hoping the young boxer can continue his impressive run.

Lovlina Borgohain assured of at least bronze medal

Earlier, Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain became India’s first boxer assured of a medal after receiving a direct entry into the women’s semifinals. Under Commonwealth Games rules, both losing semifinalists are awarded bronze medals, guaranteeing Lovlina at least a podium finish.

The Tokyo Olympic medallist, who also claimed bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, will now aim to reach the final and upgrade the colour of her medal.

India’s campaign resumes on Saturday with Sachin Siwach taking on Canada’s Al-Ahmadieh Keoma in the men’s 60kg Round of 32.

Meanwhile, India opened their medal account at the Glasgow Games on Friday through para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who claimed bronze in the men’s heavyweight event.

Criticism of Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike has drawn a forceful response from his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who said the activist deserved compassion while recovering in intensive care.

Angmo said Wangchuk had lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, during the fast. She asked critics to consider its physical toll before questioning his motives or applying political calculations to his decision.

‘He lies in the ICU today,’ Angmo tells critics

“Before you rush to criticise Sonam Wangchuk, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself,” Angmo wrote on X.

“He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort. The least we can offer him is a day of compassion before burdening him with our own expectations and political calculations.”

Angmo said people judging Wangchuk should first consider his record of public service and the physical price he had paid.

“Not everyone is qualified to judge a life of selfless service. One must first earn the moral stature to do so. Please..Have a heart,” she added.

Before you rush to criticise @Wangchuk66, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself.
He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort. The least we can offer him is a day of…

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 24, 2026

Wangchuk rejects questions over decision to end fast

Wangchuk also responded to critics in a video message. He rejected suggestions that ending the fast raised questions about the sincerity of his protest or indicated that he had struck a deal.

“After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight in which I have also lost muscle mass and my organs and brain reached the verge of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, about whose hands I broke it at, or whether I made a deal or not?” he said.

Wangchuk said people commenting on his decision did not necessarily understand what he and his family had experienced during the preceding weeks.

He urged the public to examine whether those making allegations were politically motivated or speaking from a neutral position.

Written assurance preceded end of 26-day fast

Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Union government concerning the NEET examination controversy and broader changes to the competitive testing system.

He broke the fast in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital.

Wangchuk said verbal assurances had been offered earlier, but he waited for a formal document before ending the protest.