CJP-Centre Talks Resume Today, Spotlight on Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

CJP-Centre talks enter crucial third round as focus remains on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) will hold the third round of talks on Saturday in an effort to end the ongoing deadlock over the NEET paper leak protests. While the government has accepted two of the protesters’ key demands, it is yet to take a call on the CJP’s insistence that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign.

The high-stakes meeting comes amid heightened security across Delhi, with several Metro stations shut, liquor outlets ordered to close early and Delhi Police personnel deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order.

Third round of talks today

The previous round of discussions, which lasted nearly two hours on Friday, ended without a breakthrough on the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

After the meeting, CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the Centre had sought additional time before conveying its stand. Union Minister JP Nadda also confirmed that both sides would meet again on Saturday after further consultations within the government.

Government rules out resignation

Government sources have indicated that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is not under consideration, arguing that stepping down would not resolve the larger issues surrounding the examination system.

Instead, the Centre is focusing on restructuring the National Testing Agency (NTA), with plans to strengthen oversight, improve accountability and plug loopholes in the conduct of competitive examinations.

Centre accepts two demands

During Friday’s talks, the government agreed to two key demands raised by the protesters:

No FIRs against peaceful participants of the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.
Compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the examination controversy.

However, CJP leaders maintained that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains their primary demand and also sought a public apology over the alleged police action during the protests.

NTA overhaul underway

In one of the biggest administrative actions since the controversy erupted, the National Testing Agency terminated the services of 47 officials on July 24.

The Centre is also preparing a comprehensive overhaul of the agency’s outsourcing system to improve transparency and strengthen safeguards against future irregularities.

Tougher anti-paper leak law

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft Bill proposing stricter punishment for organised paper leak rackets.

The proposed legislation provides for imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore, mandatory completion of investigations within three months and fast-track court trials. The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling examination-related fraud through a video message, saying students’ feedback had strengthened efforts to reform the system.

• Tight security across Delhi
• Authorities have stepped up security ahead of Saturday’s protests.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has temporarily closed 18 Metro stations across central Delhi, while interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. The Delhi government has also directed liquor shops to shut by 8 pm over the weekend based on police advisories.

Delhi Police has cancelled routine leave for personnel and deployed additional forces across sensitive locations to maintain public order.

Sonam Wangchuk defends ending hunger strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving government assurances, defended his decision against criticism.

In a video message, Wangchuk said the prolonged fast had taken a severe physical toll and stressed that the government’s assurances on accountability, parliamentary discussion and protection for peaceful protesters had prompted him to end the agitation.

Background

The CJP launched its indefinite protest on June 20, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak.

The movement gained nationwide attention after a Parliament march on July 20 and the subsequent hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk and student activists, leading the Centre to begin formal negotiations with the protesters.