Delhi Mobile Data Shutdown Protest: Government Blocks Internet Amid CJP Protest Over Education Minister

DELHI – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – The Delhi mobile data shutdown protest has taken a new turn after authorities ordered telecom firms to cut mobile internet in parts of central Delhi. The move came as thousands gathered near the protest site linked to the CJP protest Delhi education minister demand. Two sources confirmed the order to Reuters, and major telecom players quickly followed it.

Mobile networks went dark across several central areas of the capital on Thursday evening. Shopkeepers, vendors, and small restaurant owners struggled the most, since many depend on digital payment apps for daily business. Without data, they had no way to accept online payments.

Officials from the government and telecom department did not respond right away to questions about the shutdown. Big telecom names like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea also stayed silent when asked for comment.

VIDEO | Delhi: On PM Modi’s X post, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says, “The first thing is that it is good that after one and a half months of protests, the Prime Minister has finally taken notice. Perhaps his foreign visits are over and he has… pic.twitter.com/IwW7AJ4U86

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 23, 2026

Protesters Refuse to Back Down

Earlier the same day, the Cockroach Janta Party, known widely as CJP, turned down the government’s response to the exam paper leak issue. The group said it would keep protesting until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down.

A CJP spokesperson noted it was encouraging that the prime minister had finally addressed the matter after roughly six weeks of protests. He added that punishing people after papers leak does nothing to fix the root problem, and questioned why such leaks keep happening in the first place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier posted online, saying nothing matters more than the future of young people, and promised fast-track courts for those behind the leaks.

Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!

We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026

Opposition Joins the Demand

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, blaming the government for damaging the education system and shielding those responsible. He repeated calls for Pradhan’s removal and demanded an apology to students, along with punishment for those who harmed protesters.

The protest movement, led by young demonstrators camping in central Delhi since last month, began after exam paper leaks in May disrupted nearly two million students. Anger grew sharply this week after police used tear gas and batons against a massive crowd trying to march toward parliament.

The clash turned into the biggest street protest the city has witnessed in almost five years, with demonstrators throwing stones and police responding with force. Reports say at least 178 people, including security staff, were hurt during the unrest.

Interestingly, the CJP movement began as a joke in May, after the Chief Justice was reported to have compared young people to insects during a court session. What started as an online joke soon grew into a serious youth movement, now also raising concerns about jobs, opportunities, and what many call a more controlling style of governance under Modi.

You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.

You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it.

The students’ demands are clear:
1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to… https://t.co/0MK4wPMNiK

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026

This unrest marks one of the toughest tests for Modi’s government since he won a third term in 2024. Trust in India’s exam system has already taken repeated hits, from medical entrance leaks to marking errors affecting nearly two million students.

As the Delhi mobile data shutdown protest continues, all eyes remain on whether the government will meet protester demands or let tensions rise further.