Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has urged students to remain patient and keep faith in the government amid the CJP protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The statement from the former India opener came as demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities have continued to garner nationwide attention and support from big names.
CJP Protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi: UPDATES
In a statement on his official X account, Dhawan said that while it was essential to understand the youth who are protesting for cause, it was also important to believe in the country’s instituitions and the ruling government.
“Our youth are the future of our nation. It is essential to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to maintain patience in difficult times and keep faith in the country’s institutions and government,” said Dhawan.
Dhawan continued by saying that patience will be key at this hour.
“I believe that the solution to every challenge emerges with patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to progress,” said Dhawan.
The statement from the former Indian opener comes after Yuvraj Singh also spoke about the protests and urged the government and CJP to resolve their issues through dialogue.
“To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety, and chase your dreams”, Yuvraj wrote on Instagram.
“Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India.
“Let’s come together to build communities of care, opportunity and hope.
“Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India’s future”, he added.
Olympic gold medallist and shooting legend Abhinav Bindra also commented on the matter and called for a stronger education system while stressing that the issue transcends political divides.
WHY THE STUDENTS ARE PROTESTING
The nationwide student protests were sparked by allegations of a paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination and have since grown into a larger campaign seeking sweeping reforms to India’s examination system. The demonstrations have been spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Among the key demands raised by students are stronger measures to prevent future paper leaks, greater transparency in the conduct of competitive examinations, compensation for candidates affected by the controversy and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The campaign began with a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 20 before reaching a flashpoint a month later during the “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20. Thousands of protesters attempted to make their way towards Parliament but were stopped by police, leading to clashes that intensified public attention on the movement.
What started in the national capital has since expanded to several states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Rajasthan, where students have staged demonstrations in support of the cause. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk later threw his weight behind the movement by launching an indefinite hunger strike. Despite repeated appeals from organisers to end his fast, Wangchuk has said he will continue until authorities guarantee that no punitive action will be taken against those participating in the protests.
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