Abhijeet Dipke says CJP protest will continue even if Sonam Wangchuk asks him to stop | WATCH

Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founding president Abhijeet Dipke on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day indefinite hunger strike, but reiterated that the outfit's protest over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Addressing reporters, Dipke claimed that Wangchuk's access had been restricted during the course of his fast.

"I think the govt had kept Sonam Wangchuk detained. JP Nadda could meet him, but no Opposition MPs could meet him. Even we could not meet him. I am very happy that Sonam sir has called off his hunger strike," he said.

Dipke maintained that the CJP would not withdraw its agitation, insisting that the resignation of the Education Minister remained its central demand.

"Nothing short of resignation (of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan) is acceptable to us. The protest will not be called off."

He also stressed that the movement had grown beyond any individual or political group.

"This protest belongs to the youth of the nation and is not limited to one Sonam Wangchuk or Dipke. This protest belongs to the youth of the nation, not the Opposition parties. If the government wants a solution to the protest, it is only the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan," Dipke said.

His remarks came as a CJP delegation held its third round of talks with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Friday at a neutral venue in Delhi. The outfit had earlier refused to hold discussions at a minister's residence or office, insisting on a neutral location.

The developments come a day after Wangchuk ended his hunger strike at Medanta Hospital after receiving a written assurance from the Union government on the NEET examination issue and proposed reforms to the country's competitive examination system.

Wangchuk said the written commitment came only after prolonged negotiations with the Centre.

"The Ministers who came from the government's side also provided this assurance. For the past two days, a very tough... a kind of 'bargain' was going on because I wanted these assurances in writing. It took two extra days for this, and I would have sat longer if needed, but finally, today, they have given the assurance in writing."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured strict action against those responsible for alleged examination paper leaks and said the Union Cabinet would consider a draft Bill proposing fast-track courts and stringent punishment for offenders.