Mamata Banerjee Jantar Mantar Protest became a key political issue on Friday after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief extended support to students demonstrating in Delhi over the NEET-UG paper leak. She criticised the Centre over the alleged police action during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march and questioned the handling of the investigation.
In a post on X, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she had stood with the students since the beginning of their movement. She said the protest was not only about the alleged NEET paper leak but also about protecting the future of young people across the country.
I have stood firmly with the students and their movement from the very beginning. Their fight is not just for justice in the NEET scam- It is a fight to protect the future of every young Indian.
The brutal crackdown by the Delhi Police on peaceful protesters is deeply disturbing…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 24, 2026
Mamata Banerjee Jantar Mantar Protest Draws Political Support
Banerjee alleged that students taking part in the protest were lathi-charged, hit with pellet guns and tear gas while demanding accountability. She also claimed that internet services were suspended around Jantar Mantar and that the National Security Act (NSA) was invoked to carry out preventive detentions of students.
She questioned why students protesting peacefully were allegedly met with force instead of dialogue. Referring to the latest developments in the investigation, Banerjee also raised questions after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had not found evidence to establish the involvement of Sanjeev Kumar, also known as Sanjeev Mukhiya, in the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak case.
The TMC chief said those responsible for damaging the future of students should be held accountable. She also questioned why the Centre was facing criticism over the issue while students continued to seek answers.
Banerjee said Opposition parties across the country stood with the students and praised those participating in the protest for continuing their movement despite the alleged police action.
Delhi Police Rejects NSA Claim Linked to Protest
Delhi Police, however, rejected claims that the National Security Act was invoked because of the ongoing student protest. The police clarified that the notification circulating on social media related to the routine quarterly renewal of powers under the Act and had no connection with the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
The clarification came after several social media posts linked the renewal order to the ongoing protest.
Government Holds Talks with CJP Delegation
The student protest has also drawn attention from the Centre. Earlier on Friday, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met a delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the protest.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nadda said the delegation presented three key demands along with five suggestions for improving the examination system. He said another meeting with the delegation would be held on Saturday after discussions within the government.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the government had shown a positive response to two of the group’s demands. These included compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and assurance that no FIRs would be registered against students taking part in the protest.
Several Opposition parties have also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying the government should take stronger action to restore confidence in the examination system.
The Mamata Banerjee Jantar Mantar Protest has added fresh political attention to the student movement, with both the government and Opposition expected to continue discussions on the issue in the coming days.
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