- 17 Delhi metro stations have been closed for the third consecutive day due to ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
- The Cockroach Janta Party and the Centre held talks at the Constitution Club, where the CJP reiterated its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that the demand for Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable following their second meeting with the government.
- The CJP's protests are primarily in response to NEET exam irregularities and the demand for compensation for families of affected students.
- The Centre has sought additional time to respond to the resignation demand, indicating ongoing negotiations.
- CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke emphasized that nothing less than Pradhan's resignation would be acceptable to the protesters.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has made it clear that the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is non-negotiable, following a second round of discussions with the government.2
The CJP's founder, Abhijeet Dipke, emphasized, "Nothing short of the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan will do," reiterating that protests will continue until their demands are met.6
The Centre has requested until Saturday afternoon to respond to the resignation demand, with CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stating, "We hope the government will remove him soon."
The CJP has also secured in-principle approval for two other demands: compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and the withdrawal of legal cases against protesting students.
As protests escalate, 17 metro stations in Delhi remain closed for the third consecutive day, complicating access to the protest site. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has confirmed that these closures are due to ongoing demonstrations.
The CJP's demands have garnered support from opposition parties, further intensifying the pressure on the government. Prime Minister Modi has promised to introduce a bill for stricter punishments for paper leaks, but the protesters remain skeptical, with Ranka stating, "This country has seen many announcements of fast-track courts, but this is not the solution to the systemic issues in the education system."
The situation remains tense, with Delhi Police canceling routine leaves for personnel amid the protests, and the Supreme Court agreeing to hear petitions regarding police actions against students.
“The government has sought time till Saturday afternoon to respond to the resignation demand, while expressing in-principle approval on compensation for NEET aspirants' families and withdrawal of FIRs. Separately, the Union cabinet passed a bill for stricter punishments for paper leaks.”
