New Delhi: The NEET paper leak issue has now escalated into a major controversy, drawing everyone’s attention. The primary demand of the students protesting under the banner of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Two rounds of meetings have taken place between the CJP and the government so far, but they have failed to yield a result.
According to CJP spokespersons, the government accepted two of their three demands. Before the third round of talks, the CJP made it clear that there is no point in negotiating unless Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The CJP’s stance is unequivocal: no talks will take place without his resignation.
Major Announcement by CJP Spokesperson
Ashutosh Ranka, the national spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party, stated clearly that if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign, further meetings with the government would be meaningless. Ranka noted that during Friday’s meeting, the government gave a positive response regarding compensation and the cases registered against protesting students.
An agreement in principle was reached on these two issues, and the party expects a written response from the government regarding them. However, he pointed out that no concrete decision was taken on the CJP’s most crucial demand: Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Ranka further stated that if the government has already decided against Pradhan resigning, they should clarify the situation. In that case, such meetings serve no purpose, and the party would then formulate a different strategy. He warned that if the central government remains adamant in its stance, they would be compelled to take a tough decision.
Ranka’s Comments on the Dismissal of NTA Officials
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka also commented on the government’s decision to dismiss 47 NTA officials. He said that a comment would be made only after reviewing the full details of the decision. He emphasised that this move by the government does not alter the protest’s core demand. He asserted that the Education Minister bears accountability for the exam irregularities and the suicides committed by students following the NEET paper leak; therefore, he must resign immediately.
Major Decision by the Union Cabinet
The central government has taken concrete steps to curb paper leaks across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has announced the establishment of fast-track courts. On Friday, the Union Cabinet approved introducing a bill in Parliament to enact a stringent law against paper leaks.
The central government is likely to table this bill in Parliament on Monday. The bill includes provisions for up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹10 crore for cases involving paper leaks. Incidents involving protesters injured during the demonstration on July 20 also continue to be a subject of discussion.
