Later, Pradhan – in his first comments since Monday’s violence – criticised the Congress for “shamelessly exploiting students as political tools”.
“Even after government conveyed its readiness for a comprehensive discussion, the Congress chose political spectacle over democratic debate. Their objective was never solutions for students, it was disruption for political headlines,” he said in a post on X.
Pradhan did not directly refer to the CJP or the protests but said: “We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering.”
Pradhan’s resignation has been the one of the key demands of the protesters and the CJP has not responded to his comments so far.
A satirical political movement, CJP was inspired by remarks made earlier this year by India’s chief justice, who used the word “cockroach” to describe unemployed young people turning to journalism and activism. After the comments sparked outrage, he said he had been referring only to those with “fake and bogus degrees”.
Monday’s huge turnout showed that the CJP, though not a registered political party, has evolved into a movement capable of drawing tens of thousands onto the streets.
Protesters, who have been camped for the past month at Jantar Mantar, gained global attention after activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk joined them on 28 June and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of their demands.
He was forcibly removed from the protest site by the police on Saturday and taken to hospital where he continues to fast.
The movement has broadened into one of the most visible expressions of public dissent against Modi in recent years.
In recent days, support for the CJP has grown beyond Delhi, with protests also being held in other major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
