Third round of CJP-Centre talks ends; protest to continue over NEET row | WATCH

Delhi: The third round of talks between representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the Centre concluded on Friday at Vithalbhai Patel House in New Delhi, as both sides sought to find a way forward on the outfit's demands over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

The government was represented by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh. The CJP delegation comprised national spokesperson Saurav Das and another youth representative.

The meeting came days after two back-to-back discussions held on 20 July at Nadda's residence, marking the third official round of negotiations between the two sides.

Friday's talks also took place hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late on Thursday night, following assurances from the government on his key demands.

The CJP had previously rejected the Centre's invitation to hold discussions at a minister's residence or office, insisting that negotiations should take place at a neutral venue. Friday's meeting was therefore held at Vithalbhai Patel House.

Despite engaging in talks with the government, the outfit has maintained that its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

In addition to demanding Pradhan's resignation, the CJP has sought accountability over the alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms to the education system, ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak, and the withdrawal of all FIRs and legal action against peaceful protesters associated with the movement.