The Centre’s first formal talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over the ongoing protests against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak concluded on Tuesday without any breakthrough, as demonstrators vowed to continue their agitation until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
Speaking briefly while arriving for the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Mangal Milan, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the discussions were cordial, remarking, “It was fine, it is always fine.” The meeting, held at Nadda’s residence after the CJP sought negotiations for the first time, came a day after thousands of protesters attempted to march towards Parliament during the “Sansad Chalo” demonstration.
During the talks, CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das demanded Pradhan’s resignation, ₹1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide amid the controversy, and the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital.
While Nadda said the delegation had submitted a written memorandum and appealed to protesters to end their sit-in, the CJP maintained that no commitments were made by the government and that the protest would continue until its demands were met.
Delegation Presents Three Demands
The meeting marked the first direct engagement between the government and organisers of the protest since the agitation intensified over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
According to JP Nadda, the proposal for talks came from the protesters themselves, with discussions beginning around 11:50 am before the delegation submitted a written memorandum at approximately 4 pm.
In a post on X, Nadda described the discussions as taking place in a “cordial atmosphere” and urged demonstrators to cooperate with authorities in restoring normalcy in Delhi.
Representing the movement were CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka and Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das. Following the meeting, Das said the delegation had reiterated three key demands before the government: the immediate resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the controversy, and the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital.
Das asserted that the movement would continue until Pradhan stepped down. Ranka, in a separate statement on X, said the demands had been conveyed in full and that Nadda assured the delegation he would raise the matter at the appropriate level, but acknowledged that no assurances had been offered. “The peaceful protesters will not rest until the demand is met,” he wrote.
Protests Continue Despite Dialogue
The talks followed one of the largest demonstrations witnessed since the agitation began. On Monday, thousands of protesters participating in the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” march attempted to reach Parliament, leading to clashes with Delhi Police.
According to Delhi Police, more than 118 police personnel, including senior officers and women personnel, sustained injuries during the confrontation, while around 60 protesters were also injured and nearly 70 were detained.
Police alleged that protesters violated prohibitory orders, damaged public property, assaulted personnel and attempted to breach multiple security barricades. FIRs are reportedly being registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws.
The CJP, however, disputed the police’s account and alleged that demonstrators were subjected to excessive force despite maintaining that the march was peaceful before the confrontation. These competing claims remain independently unverified.
The meeting with Nadda also highlighted another issue central to the movement: the continued hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose prolonged hunger strike has become one of the most visible symbols of the protest.
CJP leaders reiterated their demand that Wangchuk be released immediately from hospital, arguing that the movement extends beyond the alleged NEET paper leak to broader concerns about examination integrity, accountability, democratic participation and public trust in institutions.
Although the dialogue marked the first official communication channel between the Centre and the protesters, no agreement emerged, and government sources indicated that the delegation’s written demands would be examined before any further action.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The first formal dialogue between the government and the protest organisers is a significant step, particularly at a time when tensions on the streets have escalated and injuries have been reported on both sides. Dialogue is often the most constructive way to resolve deeply contested public issues, but conversations must ultimately lead to transparent action if they are to inspire public confidence.
Equally, large-scale protests and policing should remain peaceful, with every effort made to protect both democratic freedoms and public safety. As competing claims continue to emerge, verified facts, institutional accountability and open communication remain essential to maintaining trust.
Also read: Abhijeet Dipke Sets New Condition: Government Must Come to Jantar Mantar to Speak With CJP
