Updated on: 21 Jul 2026
NEW DELHI: Leaders from across the political spectrum visited Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital to meet students injured during police action following the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest march, while Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed their treatment with hospital authorities.
Nadda met the injured protesters and later held a meeting with doctors to assess their condition and review the medical care being provided.
Earlier, a CJP delegation met the Union minister and submitted a list of demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of NEET aspirants who lost their lives, and the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.
In a post on X, Nadda said the protesters had proposed talks with the government and that discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere. He said the delegation submitted a written memorandum and appealed to protesters to end their sit-in and cooperate with the administration in restoring normalcy.
After Nadda’s visit, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal met the injured students and strongly criticised the Central government over the handling of the examination paper leak issue and the police action against protesters. He also announced a dedicated helpline to provide legal and medical assistance to students and others allegedly injured or detained during the protest.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP headquarters, Kejriwal alleged that students and young protesters were subjected to excessive force, claiming videos on social media showed police personnel using force against demonstrators, including women. He compared the alleged police action to the brutality of the British era and referred to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Announcing the helpline number 8588833548, Kejriwal urged injured protesters and families of detained students to seek assistance. He said the party had formed a team of lawyers and volunteers to provide legal and medical support, including the services of senior advocates if required.
He appealed to parents and families of protesters not to panic, assuring them that the AAP would extend all possible legal and medical assistance. He also demanded that the Delhi Police release a complete list of FIRs registered in connection with the protests, along with details of students allegedly detained without FIRs and the locations where they were being held.
Kejriwal said he could not participate in the protest due to personal reasons but claimed that both his children had joined the demonstration and remained with the protesters for several hours. He also accused the Central government of branding students as “anti-national” instead of addressing their concerns over examination reforms and alleged paper leaks.
Later, Kejriwal visited Parliament Street police station to seek details of those arrested or detained during the protests.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal also visited RML Hospital and interacted with the injured students.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said students were worried about their future while the government was focused on protecting its political position. Along with Opposition MPs, he also met the Lok Sabha Speaker and demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on the police action against students and the government’s handling of the examination crisis. He said the Opposition would continue raising students’ concerns both inside and outside Parliament.
The CJP protest turned violent after protesters allegedly pelted stones at police personnel, breached barricades and vandalised vehicles. Around 60 protesters were reportedly injured, while Delhi Police said more than 118 of its personnel sustained injuries during the clashes.
