Delhi Police Says No Plan To Crack Down On Jantar Mantar Protest Tonight, Rejects Kejriwal's Claim

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 21:29 IST

Delhi Police denied Arvind Kejriwal's claim of a crackdown on Jantar Mantar protests, urging him to stop spreading misleading information.

Delhi Police on Thursday dismissed claims by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that security forces were preparing to launch a crackdown on the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.

Responding to Kejriwal’s post on X, the police said there was no plan to take action against the protesters on Thursday night. It also urged the AAP leader not to circulate what it described as misleading or unverified information.

“There is no plan of Delhi Police to crack down on the ongoing protest tonight as is being conveyed. You are advised to refrain from spreading or circulating any misleading/unverified information," Delhi Police said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had claimed that security arrangements around the protest site had been intensified. In a post on X, he wrote, “Order to close all shops in CP by 6:30 PM this evening and intense security. Piles of ambulances. Will the central government once again attack its students at Jantar Mantar today?"

Meanwhile, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) advised offices, shops and restaurants in Connaught Place to shut by 6.30 pm on Thursday, citing the prevailing situation in and around the area.

In an advisory, the traders’ body said the decision followed a telephonic communication from the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). According to the association, the NDMC officials advised that all commercial establishments in Connaught Place should remain closed after 6.30 PM.

Govt Invites Protesters For Fourth Round Of Talks

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the Centre had made four proposals to hold talks with the protesters and remained open to dialogue. His remarks came amid the continuing agitation at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

“The government has sent formal proposals for discussions with their representatives four times since last afternoon. This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussions on all issues at your convenience, at any time," Singh said.

Highlighting the government’s flexible approach, Singh, said, “We do not stand on prestige. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and I will be present for discussions. Slowly, by way of discussion, we will progress towards a solution."

However, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) dismissed the government’s proposal, reiterating that it would only hold discussions at a “neutral venue".

Congress, INDIA Bloc Hold March To Gandhi Smriti

The political developments came as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by MPs from the INDIA bloc, marched from Parliament to Gandhi Smriti in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Opposition leaders said the march was intended to highlight students’ concerns and press the Centre for accountability over the controversy. Meanwhile, Delhi Police maintained that there was no plan to take action against the protesters despite speculation circulating on social media.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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