New Delhi: A major student led protest movement in India appeared to enter a new phase on Monday after activist Abhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike following an assurance that representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party will meet Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda. The decision has raised hopes of dialogue between the protesters and the government, even as thousands of supporters continued their march towards Parliament demanding action over alleged examination irregularities and wider education reforms.

Dipke had begun his indefinite fast in solidarity with education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk, who has become one of the most prominent faces of the nationwide movement. The protest has gathered momentum over recent weeks, drawing support from students, parents and civil society groups who have expressed concerns about the fairness and transparency of competitive examinations in India.

The development came on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, when large numbers of protesters gathered in New Delhi for the Sansad Chalo march. Security was significantly tightened across the national capital, especially around Parliament House. Delhi Police deployed additional personnel, set up barricades and imposed restrictions in several areas to prevent demonstrators from reaching the Parliament complex.

According to protest organisers, Dipke agreed to end his hunger strike after Wangchuk personally appealed to him to do so and after the government indicated its willingness to hold discussions. The planned meeting between CJP spokespersons and BJP president J P Nadda is being seen as the first formal political engagement since the protests began.

The movement initially started over allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in major national entrance examinations, including the NEET medical entrance test. However, it has since expanded into a broader campaign demanding greater accountability in the education system, transparent recruitment processes and better employment opportunities for young people.

Sonam Wangchuk has remained at the centre of the campaign despite being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after spending more than three weeks on a hunger strike. Doctors advised medical intervention after his health reportedly deteriorated. While authorities said the hospitalisation was necessary for his safety, protest leaders claimed that he had been moved against his wishes.

On Monday, Wangchuk requested temporary discharge from the hospital so that he could join the Sansad Chalo march. In a message shared by his supporters, he said he felt physically fit and questioned the restrictions placed on his movement. His supporters have continued to demand that he be allowed to participate in peaceful demonstrations.

As protesters marched through parts of New Delhi, there were conflicting claims about the police response. Demonstrators alleged that police used force and detained several participants attempting to move towards Parliament. Delhi Police denied carrying out any baton charge and maintained that all security arrangements were made only to ensure law and order during the parliamentary session.

The protests also drew political attention inside Parliament. Opposition parties criticised the handling of the demonstrations and called on the government to engage constructively with student representatives. Several leaders argued that concerns raised by young people deserved serious discussion rather than confrontation.

The growing movement has gained widespread attention across India, particularly among students preparing for competitive examinations. Many participants say the issue extends beyond a single examination and reflects deeper concerns about transparency, fairness and equal opportunity in education and public sector recruitment.

Political observers believe the government's decision to open communication with protest leaders reflects the increasing national importance of the campaign. Whether the proposed meeting results in meaningful progress will likely determine the direction of the movement in the coming days.

For now, protest organisers have indicated that while Dipke's hunger strike has ended, their larger campaign will continue until they receive concrete assurances on education reforms and accountability. They have said the planned discussions with the BJP leadership represent only the beginning of what they hope will be a broader dialogue aimed at restoring public confidence in India's examination system.

With Parliament now in session and public attention firmly focused on the issue, the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether negotiations can ease tensions or whether the protests will continue to grow across the country.