CJP Sticks to Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Ahead of Third Round of Centre Talks
New Delhi: Hours before the third round of talks with the Central Government, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has made its position clear, saying there is little point in continuing discussions if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is not removed from office. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said on Saturday that the minister’s resignation remains the party’s top demand and cannot be compromised.
Taking to X, Ranka wrote, “Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is non-negotiable. If the government refuses, there is no point in further discussions.”
The second round of talks between Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh and CJP representatives was held at the Constitution Club on Friday. Both sides are scheduled to meet again on Saturday afternoon after the government reviews the protesters’ demands.
Three Key Demands
The CJP has presented three main demands to the Centre:
- Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- A guarantee that no legal action will be taken against protesting students.
- ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
According to government officials, the Centre has agreed in principle to two of these demands—ensuring no legal action against protesters and providing compensation to affected families. However, the resignation of the Education Minister remains unresolved.
Government Stands by Minister
Speaking after Friday’s meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said discussions lasted nearly two hours and covered the three demands along with five proposals for examination reforms.
He said the government would hold internal discussions before responding during the next round of talks.
Government sources have indicated that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is not being considered. They said the government continues to support the minister and believes that stepping down is not the right solution.
According to the sources, the government remains committed to addressing the concerns while continuing reforms in the education system.
Centre Announces Measures Against Paper Leaks
Over the past two days, the Central Government has announced several measures aimed at preventing future examination paper leaks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of fast-track courts to deal with paper leak cases. The government is also planning to strengthen existing laws by introducing stricter punishments and higher penalties for those involved in such crimes.
In addition, the Centre has replaced the Education Secretary and removed 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), promising a complete overhaul of the examination system.
CJP Says Action Is Not Enough
Responding to the removal of the NTA officials, Ashutosh Ranka said the decision was only a first step and did not address the issue of accountability.
He maintained that the Education Minister must take responsibility for the alleged failures that led to repeated examination paper leaks and the reported student suicides linked to the NEET controversy.
The third round of talks between the Centre and CJP is expected later on Saturday, with the issue of the Education Minister’s resignation likely to remain the biggest hurdle in reaching an agreement.
