Hydeabad, 24 July
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable, CJP Warns Nationwide Protest Will Intensify
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has reiterated that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is non-negotiable, warning the Centre that student protests over the NEET paper leak will expand across the country if its key demands are not accepted. The statement came after a two-hour meeting between CJP leaders and Union ministers on Friday, marking the third round of talks this week.
The development comes even as the Union government approved a draft bill proposing stricter punishment for paper leaks following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement that tougher anti-paper leak legislation would be introduced in Parliament.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable, Says CJP
The Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable demand was strongly reiterated by CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka during discussions with Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Vithalbhai Patel House in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Das said the party had made its position absolutely clear.
“We told the Union ministers that our demand for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is non-negotiable.”
According to CJP, removing the Union Education Minister would represent the strongest action the government could take following the NEET paper leak controversy. Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable, CJP Warns Nationwide Protest Will Intensify.
Three Demands Declared Non-Negotiable
In a letter submitted to the government, the CJP outlined three demands that it described as non-negotiable:
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
- Compensation of ₹1 crore for NEET paper leak victims
- No legal action against students and protesters
The organization also demanded that the Government of India, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the head of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) publicly apologize to students allegedly injured during the July 20 police action at Jantar Mantar. Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable, CJP Warns Nationwide Protest Will Intensify.
According to the letter, the party consulted supporters and protesters across the country before reaching its final position.
Government and CJP to Hold Another Round of Talks
Union Minister J. P. Nadda confirmed that the government had listened to the demands presented by the CJP and would respond after further discussions.
Both sides agreed to meet again on Saturday, keeping communication channels open despite significant differences over the resignation demand.
The CJP, however, maintained that unless its demands are accepted, demonstrations would continue and spread nationwide.
Protests May Expand Across India
The organization warned that the ongoing protest movement would only become larger if the government failed to respond positively.
According to CJP leaders, demonstrations currently centered at Jantar Mantar could soon spread to multiple states, increasing pressure on the Centre. Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable, CJP Warns Nationwide Protest Will Intensify.
The group also urged the government to consider its five-point charter on examination reforms, which it believes would bring long-term structural improvements to India’s education system.
Security Tightened in Delhi
As crowds at Jantar Mantar continue to grow, security has been significantly strengthened across the national capital.
According to officials:
- 10 additional CRPF companies are being airlifted from Chhattisgarh to Delhi.
- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has restricted leave for personnel deployed in the Delhi Metro.
- Metro services and internet connectivity experienced disruptions in several areas due to the ongoing protests.
Authorities say the enhanced security measures are aimed at maintaining law and order while talks with protesters continue.
Background of the Protest
Friday’s meeting marked the third official round of negotiations between the Centre and the CJP.
The previous meetings took place after the ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest on July 20, during which thousands of students marched towards Parliament. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters, leaving several people injured.
The CJP has alleged that police personnel assaulted students and molested women protesters during the crackdown. It has announced plans to launch a dedicated website where protesters can upload photos and videos to identify officials allegedly involved.
The party says it will seek the registration of FIRs and pursue legal action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has initiated an internal inquiry into allegations of excessive force and the reported use of pellet guns during the protests.
Government Pushes Anti-Paper Leak Reforms
The latest round of talks comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a stronger anti-paper leak bill would be introduced in Parliament.
The Union Cabinet has since approved a draft legislation proposing stricter punishment for paper leaks and examination-related fraud.
Despite welcoming the government’s willingness to discuss reforms, the CJP maintains that Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Non-Negotiable remains the central demand of the movement.
With another round of talks scheduled, attention will now focus on whether the government offers any concessions or whether the protests continue to gain momentum across the country.