Government, CJP Hold First Formal Talks on NEET Protest; No Breakthrough on Education Minister’s Resignation

New Delhi, 24th July 2026: The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) held their first formal round of talks on Friday amid the ongoing nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination reforms. While both sides described the discussions as constructive, no consensus was reached on the CJP’s key demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The nearly two-hour meeting was held at the Constitution Club of India and was attended by Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh on behalf of the government, while the CJP delegation included spokespersons Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

Following the meeting, CJP leaders said they would not compromise on their demand for the Education Minister’s resignation.

“We will not compromise on the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The government has agreed to provide compensation to those injured during the protests and to withdraw cases registered against demonstrators,” CJP spokespersons told reporters after the meeting.

However, the government did not announce any decision on the resignation demand.

Addressing the media, Union Minister J.P. Nadda said the CJP had submitted three major demands along with five suggestions for reforms in the examination system.

“We have sought time until tomorrow to discuss these proposals within the government. Another meeting with the CJP representatives has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon,” Nadda said.
Another Round of Talks Scheduled
According to the government, discussions will continue on Saturday after internal consultations on the proposals submitted by the CJP.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurabh Das described Friday’s meeting as positive but reiterated that the organisation’s foremost demand remained the removal of the Union Education Minister.

He also alleged that Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel had used excessive force against protesters during the Parliament march on July 20.

The CJP has warned that if the government does not act on its demands, particularly the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, within the next two to three days, it may organise another large-scale march similar to the July 20 protest.
Supreme Court Seeks Status Report
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court sought a status report from the Centre on the measures taken since the alleged paper leak surfaced. The court also asked the government to provide details of the progress made in the investigation.

In a separate development, the Bombay High Court directed the establishment of two fast-track courts in Nagpur and Aurangabad to handle paper leak-related cases.
Metro Restrictions Continue
As the protest at Jantar Mantar entered another day, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closure of 18 metro stations, including New Delhi Metro Station, until further orders due to security concerns.

Thousands of protesters continued to gather at Jantar Mantar despite intermittent rainfall. Demonstrators wearing raincoats participated in rallies, while volunteers organised patriotic songs and community activities at the protest site.
Protest Continues
The CJP has maintained that its agitation will continue until the government accepts its key demands, including the resignation of the Education Minister.
The protest, which began over the alleged NEET paper leak, has evolved into a broader campaign seeking greater accountability, examination reforms, compensation for injured protesters, and withdrawal of criminal cases registered during the demonstrations.