CJP says Centre positive on two demands, on Pradhan's resignation, seeks time till tomorrow

Delhi: The Centre has responded positively to two of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) key demands but has sought time until Saturday afternoon to decide on the outfit's demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, CJP leaders said after meeting government representatives on Friday.

Addressing the media after the talks at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, CJP representatives said the government had agreed in principle to two demands — that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters and that adequate compensation would be provided to the families of students affected by the alleged examination irregularities.

However, they said the Centre had not taken a final decision on their principal demand for Pradhan's resignation.

"The government is positive on two demands and has sought time till tomorrow afternoon on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation," CJP leaders told reporters after the meeting.

The high-level discussions were attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh on behalf of the government. The CJP delegation comprised Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Abhijeet Dipke and Deepak Balyan.

Speaking after the meeting, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das also raised concerns over the alleged detention of protesters by the Delhi Police, saying the issue was brought up during the talks.

"Another issue we raised was that the Delhi Police has been detaining a large number of young men and women since last night, throughout the day, and even today. Those being detained include people leaving Jantar Mantar to return home, those heading towards the protest site, and even those delivering food. The police are selectively detaining young people and are also pushing and manhandling lawyers. We informed the government that this should not happen because it only deepens the trust deficit," Das said.

According to him, the government initially denied that such incidents were taking place but assured the delegation that, if the allegations were found to be true, they would be addressed.

"The government's initial response was that no such incidents were taking place. However, it assured us that if such incidents are occurring, they would not be allowed to continue, and that the Delhi Police would be instructed accordingly," he added.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the demand for Pradhan's resignation remained non-negotiable and had been discussed at length during the meeting.

"Regarding the main demand for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the issue was discussed in detail with the government delegation. We conveyed in very clear terms that nothing short of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation or his removal from the Union Cabinet would be acceptable," Ranka said.

He added that the government had sought more time before responding to the demand.

"Across the country, protests are taking place in different places. There is widespread anger and resentment among the youth, and the sentiment is very clear... Dharmendra Pradhan has to resign, and he needs to be sacked. The government has sought time till tomorrow afternoon to respond on this demand," he said.

The meeting came amid continuing youth-led protests over alleged irregularities in national-level competitive examinations. The CJP had agreed to hold talks only after the government accepted its condition that discussions be held at a neutral venue rather than at a minister's residence or office.