CJP calls off NEET protest after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns; government accepts key demands
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK New Delhi, July 25: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday announced the immediate withdrawal of its nationwide…
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 25: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday announced the immediate withdrawal of its nationwide protest over the NEET paper leak after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet, fulfilling the group’s primary demand.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference attended by CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, alongside Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Ends 36-Day Protest
Addressing the media, CJP leaders said the protest was being withdrawn “in good faith” after the Centre agreed to their principal demands.
“The government has accepted our demands. We urge all protesters to return home peacefully,” Saurav Das said.
Ashutosh Ranka added that the movement, which lasted 36 days, sought basic reforms rather than radical changes.
“Our demands were focused on justice for students and reforms in the examination system. Since the government has accepted them, we are ending the protest peacefully,” he said.
Government Agrees to Withdraw FIRs
The CJP said the Centre has assured it that criminal cases filed against protesters across BJP-ruled and BJP-allied states will be withdrawn.
According to Saurav Das, around 15 to 20 FIRs were registered in Delhi following the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. The government has promised to provide copies of all FIRs within the next few days and initiate the withdrawal process shortly.
The organisation also said it has sought a written guarantee from the government, which is expected to be shared by Tuesday.
Compensation for Families of NEET Victims
The protestors had demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.
The government has reportedly agreed to provide compensation in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The CJP also claimed that assurances have been given that no punitive action will be taken against protesting students in the future.
Exam Reforms to Be Discussed Later
Apart from immediate demands, the CJP submitted a five-point charter seeking broader education and examination reforms.
The organisation said another round of discussions with the government is expected within the next four weeks to deliberate on those proposals.
Jantar Mantar Protest Ends
Following the announcement, Delhi Police asked protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site. The month-long agitation had led to traffic diversions, Metro station restrictions and disruption to businesses in the surrounding areas.
The protest began on June 6 and gained nationwide attention after Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation with an indefinite fast on June 28, ending his hunger strike earlier this week.
BJP Praises Pradhan’s Contribution
Reacting to the resignation, BJP leaders praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure as Union Education Minister.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan said he had dedicated more than four decades to educational reforms and reaffirmed his commitment to the aspirations of India’s youth. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve in the Union government.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who recently returned to India and emerged as the face of the nationwide protest against examination paper leaks.
