The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) refused to soften its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation during fresh talks with the Centre. CJP leaders met Union Minister JP Nadda for the second round of discussions at the Constitution Club. The meeting lasted nearly two hours and focused on resolving issues surrounding the month-long student protests. CJP leaders described Pradhan’s resignation as a non-negotiable demand and urged the government to act quickly. According to the party, the government requested additional time until Saturday afternoon before taking a final decision. CJP leaders expressed hope that the Centre would positively consider their demand after internal consultations. The party also warned that it would continue pressing the government until it received a clear response. Protest leaders maintained that students expected accountability and decisive action from the Centre.
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CJP Remains Firm on Pradhan’s Resignation
The demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation has remained the central issue behind the ongoing student movement. The protests continued for nearly a month before turning violent during a march toward Parliament on July 20. Demonstrators clashed with security personnel after police stopped them from advancing toward the Parliament complex. CJP leaders accused the government of ignoring students’ concerns despite repeated appeals and peaceful demonstrations. They warned that the agitation could intensify if the Centre failed to remove the Education Minister. The party maintained that accountability remained essential for restoring students’ confidence in the examination system. Protest organizers also insisted that the movement would continue peacefully while awaiting the government’s final decision. They urged authorities to address the concerns without unnecessary delays or confrontation.
Following the meeting, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka announced that the government had accepted two important demands in principle. The party sought financial assistance of Rs 1 crore for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide. CJP also demanded the withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases registered against protesting students across the country. Ranka said the government had shown a positive approach toward both proposals during the discussions. However, he clarified that the Centre requested more time before responding to the resignation demand. The spokesperson expressed optimism that the government would soon announce its final stand on the issue. CJP leaders welcomed the progress but reiterated that Pradhan’s resignation remained their top priority. They pledged to continue discussions while monitoring the government’s response closely.
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Third Round of Talks Scheduled for Saturday
Union Health Minister JP Nadda described the discussions as cordial but avoided revealing specific details after the meeting concluded. He confirmed that the government would hold another round of talks with CJP leaders on Saturday afternoon. Nadda said the party presented three primary demands along with five suggestions for examination reforms. However, he declined to confirm whether the government had formally accepted any of the proposals. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also participated in the discussions on behalf of the government. Officials continued engaging with protest leaders as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions and restore normalcy. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue instead of allowing the situation to worsen further.
The government intensified efforts to calm protesting students while addressing growing concerns over examination irregularities nationwide. Soon after the meeting, the Union Cabinet approved a bill proposing stricter punishment for exam paper leaks. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the examination system and discourage organised cheating networks across the country. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a late-night selfie video promising tougher action against paper leak cases. The announcement reflected the government’s attempt to reassure students demanding transparency and fairness in competitive examinations. Officials believe stronger laws and continued dialogue could help restore public confidence in the recruitment process. The outcome of Saturday’s meeting will likely determine the future course of the ongoing student protests.
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