Union government refuses to blink as CJP deadline looms, says Pradhan will not resign over NEET paper leak

The Union government is standing firm against the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) ultimatum for Education Minister Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak. The CJP has threatened to escalate protests if their demands are not met within 24 hours.¹²

The government has expressed that yielding to such pressure could lead to a slippery slope, with a source stating, "The government cannot be seen as succumbing to the pressure of any protesting forces or groups. Tomorrow, another group could come up and demand the resignation of other ministers or even the Prime Minister. There will not be any end to it."

In response to the crisis, the government has initiated a significant overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), sacking 47 officials involved in the NEET exam process. This move comes amid rising tensions as the CJP insists on Pradhan's resignation, with the opposition also uniting around this demand.

Despite the turmoil, the government is preparing to introduce a draft Bill aimed at imposing stricter penalties for exam paper leaks, including fines up to ₹10 crore. Prime Minister Modi has taken a personal interest in the matter, promising fast-track courts for handling such cases, which he announced in a late-night video.⁶⁷⁸

The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding the Monsoon Session of Parliament, as the CJP continues to rally support for their cause, insisting that the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the paper leak should receive compensation.