Education minister's resignation 'non-negotiable': CJP tells Indian govt

Highlights

• CJP reiterates demand for education minister's resignation
• Party seeks Rs 1 crore compensation for NEET victims' families
• Government to hold another round of talks with CJP tomorrow
• Protesters also seek withdrawal of FIRs and public apology

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) today (24 July) told the Indian government that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains "non-negotiable", while pressing for compensation for families affected by the NEET examination controversy and the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters.

The demands were placed during a two-hour meeting with Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Vithalbhai Patel House in New Delhi, as both sides sought a resolution to the protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities.

Following the meeting, Nadda said the government had taken note of the party's demands and would respond after internal consultations.

"We will meet again tomorrow," he told reporters.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the party had made it clear that there could be no compromise on its demand for Pradhan's resignation.

"We told ministers that our demand for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is non-negotiable," Das said.

The CJP, which has led protests centred at Jantar Mantar since 20 June, was represented at the meeting by Das and fellow spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.

Besides Pradhan's resignation, the party demanded Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of people who allegedly died by suicide following the cancellation of the NEET examination on 3 May. It also called for the withdrawal of all FIRs filed against protesters.

The party outlined its position in a letter submitted to the government.

While acknowledging what it described as the government's willingness to engage, the CJP said it had consulted supporters and protesters across the country before finalising its position.

"Over the last few days, we have held extensive consultations with supporters and members across the country and protesters at Jantar Mantar. We have arrived at a clear consensus that our demands, namely the resignation of Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, Rs 1 crore compensation for NEET victims, and no legal action against protestors, are non-negotiable," the letter said.

The party also demanded a public apology from the Government of India, the head of the Rapid Action Force and the Delhi Police commissioner over the alleged use of force against demonstrators.

"Furthermore, the Government of India, the head of the Rapid Action Force, and the Delhi Police Commissioner ought to publicly apologise to the students who were brutally thrashed by their forces," it said.

According to the CJP, today's meeting was the third round of official talks between the two sides.

Nadda had previously held two back-to-back meetings with Das and Ranka at his residence on 20 July.