NEET Row: Government Holds Second Round of Talks, CJP Firm on Demand for Pradhan's Resignation

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday reiterated that his organisation would not end its protest unless Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, even as the Centre and protest leaders entered a second round of talks aimed at resolving the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. Speaking to reporters, the 30-year-old activist said the government's efforts to negotiate would not succeed unless Pradhan stepped down.

"If the government wants a solution to the protest, it is only the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan," Dipke said, insisting that the demand remained non-negotiable. Reaffirming his position, Dipke declared, "Hum manenge nahi na. Isteefe se kam kuch manjoor hi nahi hai (We won't back down. Nothing short of a resignation is acceptable)." His remarks came despite the Centre announcing a series of measures to tackle examination fraud, including plans for a new law on paper leaks and the establishment of fast-track courts to prosecute those responsible.

Dipke was also asked whether he would reconsider his stand if climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving government assurances, appealed to protesters to withdraw the agitation. Rejecting the suggestion, Dipke said the movement had grown beyond its original leadership and was now being driven by students and young people across the country. "This movement no longer belongs solely to Abhijeet Dipke and Sonam Wangchuk; it has become a movement of the youth across the entire nation — which is why protests are taking place all over the country.

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Therefore, nothing short of resignation is acceptable," he said. Wangchuk ended his fast late on Thursday after meeting Union ministers and receiving assurances that the government would introduce stronger legal measures to address paper leaks and that no legal action would be taken against protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a rare video message acknowledging the seriousness of the examination controversy and announcing that the Cabinet would consider a draft law to strengthen action against examination-related fraud.

Despite those assurances, the CJP has maintained that legislative reforms alone are insufficient and that ministerial accountability remains central to its demands. Protesters have continued demonstrations in several parts of the country, calling for greater transparency in the conduct of competitive examinations and action against those responsible for alleged irregularities.

The talks between the Centre and CJP leaders are being closely watched as the NEET controversy continues to dominate the political landscape and disrupt Parliament. While the government has expressed its willingness to engage with protesters and discuss reforms, the CJP's insistence on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation suggests that a breakthrough remains uncertain. Both sides are expected to continue discussions in an effort to resolve the impasse, even as protests and political pressure over the issue persist.

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