Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time when the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was set to hold another round of talks with the Centre on Saturday. The government had indicated an "in-principle" acceptance of two key demands, Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG controversy and withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters.
Ahead of the scheduled meeting, CJP leaders had demanded a categorical "yes or no" from the government on whether Pradhan will step down, warning that the movement could intensify if there is no clarity. The meeting is expected to take place between 3.30 pm and 4 pm, though the venue is yet to be finalised, according to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.
The developments come as security has been tightened across parts of Delhi and eighteen Delhi Metro stations have been shut until further orders. The Delhi Police have reinforced barricades around Jantar Mantar with heavy-duty chains and welding, and prohibitory measures remain in force through the weekend amid expectations of larger gatherings.
Also read: 'Do not mess with cockroaches': CJP celebrates Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
The Centre's proposal for a meeting follows nearly two hours of discussions between Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh and CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Friday. While the government agreed "in principle" to compensation and legal protection for protesters, it sought more time to deliberate on the demand for Pradhan's resignation. Separately, the Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the anti-paper leak law proposing stricter punishments, including up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 10 crore for organised paper leak rackets.
CJP protests in Delhi: Key highlights
The protest over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak entered a decisive phase after the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march, during which clashes broke out between protesters and Delhi Police, resulting in injuries and multiple FIRs. Since then, Jantar Mantar has remained the hotspot of demonstrations, with protesters demanding the Pradhan's resignation, structural reforms to the examination system, compensation for families of students allegedly driven to suicide by the examination crisis and withdrawal of police cases against demonstrators.
In response, the Centre has announced an overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), initiated recruitment for senior officials and young professionals, approved amendments to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and opened negotiations with CJP leaders.
While talks have yielded progress on compensation and legal protection, the government's position on Pradhan's resignation remains the key sticking point.
Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Minister sends resignation letter to PM Modi amid CJP protests
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday amid ongoing backlash from the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party.
CJP calls for nationwide candle march on July 26
Cockroach Janta Party has appealed for coordinated demonstrations across districts on July 26, urging participants to hold silent marches and reiterate the protesters' demands.
- CJP has called for a nationwide candle march on Sunday, July 26, asking supporters to gather at their respective District Collector offices at 6 pm.
- The party said the march is being organised to express solidarity with those who allegedly faced police brutality during the ongoing NEET protest movement.
- CJP urged student unions and other organisations to coordinate locally, obtain necessary permissions and manage logistics for the demonstrations.
- Organisers have asked participants to publicly read out the protesters' demands before beginning a silent candle march, with one candle symbolising each student "failed by the system".
- The party said a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), campaign materials and a memorandum template have been made available on its website for organisers across the country.
