- The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) presented three core demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- The government agreed to monetary compensation and no legal action against peaceful protesters but sought time to respond on Pradhan's resignation.
- The first round of talks between the government and CJP failed to reach a breakthrough.
- Saurav Das, chief spokesperson of CJP, accused the Delhi Police of unlawfully detaining and intimidating citizens heading to the protest site.
- A brief scuffle broke out at Jantar Mantar after a few protesters allegedly threw bottles towards police personnel, but the situation was quickly controlled by CJP volunteers and Nihang Sikh groups.
- The government and CJP are set for a second round of talks on Saturday evening.
- CJP has called for a nationwide candle march on Sunday to maintain pressure on the government.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is intensifying its demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as negotiations with the government continue. The CJP's three core demands include Pradhan's resignation, monetary compensation for families of students who committed suicide, and no legal action against peaceful protesters.12
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das accused the Delhi Police of unlawfully detaining protesters and preventing citizens from reaching the protest site at Jantar Mantar. He stated, “The Cockroach Janta Party demands that the @DelhiPolice immediately cease and desist from unlawfully detaining, intimidating or preventing citizens from reaching Jantar Mantar.”4
Despite ongoing discussions, tensions remain high, with a nationwide candle march planned for Sunday evening to maintain pressure on the government. Pradhan, in a post on X, stated, “My resignation has been sent to the Honorable Prime Minister so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of the situation.”7
The situation at Jantar Mantar has been tense, with reports of a brief scuffle after protesters allegedly threw bottles at police. Security remains tight, with a heavy police presence at entry points, as demonstrators continue to voice their demands amidst allegations of intimidation.5
The ministers were presented with CJP's demands, and while they agreed to the compensation and legal action requests, they sought additional time to respond to the resignation demand.
“The government accepted demands for monetary compensation and no legal action against protesters but requested additional time to decide on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Meanwhile, CJP called for a nationwide candle march on Sunday, and a brief scuffle at Jantar Mantar saw bottles thrown before being de-escalated by volunteers and Nihang Sikh groups.”
DW.com
