New Delhi, July 26 -- For the first time in over a month, Jantar Mantar stood quiet on Sunday. The chants that had echoed through the capital for 36 days gave way to silence after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) formally ended its nationwide agitation following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Centre's acceptance of the movement's key demands.
The iconic protest site, which had become the epicentre of a youth-led movement against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities, wore a deserted look. The makeshift tents had been dismantled, volunteers had returned home and only faint traces remained of the agitation that drew thousands of students from across the country.
While the protest concluded on a triumphant note, its leaders spent Sunday recovering from weeks of physical and emotional strain.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who has been diagnosed with typhoid, remained at home recuperating, while environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who had joined the movement with an indefinite hunger strike, continued his recovery at Medanta Hospital.
In a video message shared by the CJP, Dipke reflected on the intensity of the past five weeks, describing them as among the most demanding days of his life.
"For the first time in weeks, I woke up without constantly thinking about the next challenge or what the day would bring. It feels peaceful, and the sense of urgency that had become routine is finally gone," he said.
The protest began on June 20, with the CJP demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak, alleged irregularities in the examination process and wider reforms in India's education system. The movement gained nationwide attention after police action against protesters during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march and drew support from students, civil society groups and activists, including Wangchuk.
On Saturday, after the Centre accepted the CJP's remaining demands, including withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy, the organisation announced the immediate withdrawal of the agitation.
Looking back on the movement, Dipke expressed gratitude to supporters who stood with the CJP despite doubts over its campaign.
"Thousands of people believed in this movement when many questioned it. Their trust and determination made this victory possible, and I will always remain grateful to them," he said.
Revealing that he had been battling typhoid and high fever during the final phase of the protest, Dipke apologised for being unable to personally meet supporters after Saturday's celebrations.
"I wanted to thank everyone in person, but my health didn't permit it. Even then, every person who stood at Jantar Mantar and every supporter across the country has my deepest appreciation," he said.
Dipke also acknowledged those who criticised the movement, saying difficult questions and public scrutiny helped strengthen the campaign.
"Criticism pushed us to improve. It made us reflect, correct ourselves where needed and emerge stronger," he said.
Calling the successful agitation only the beginning of a larger journey, he reiterated that the CJP would continue engaging with young people across the country and work towards broader education reforms.
Meanwhile, civic authorities began restoring normalcy around Jantar Mantar. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) launched an extensive clean-up operation, deploying more than 100 sanitation workers along with mechanised equipment and heavy vehicles to remove nearly 60 metric tonnes of waste generated during the month-long protest.
Officials said around 52 metric tonnes of waste had been cleared by Sunday afternoon, while roads were washed using pressure-jetting machines, walls carrying protest slogans were repainted and damaged footpaths and kerbstones repaired as the capital's most prominent protest site returned to routine after witnessing one of the country's most significant youth-led movements in recent years.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.