NEW DELHI: CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on Saturday questioned the purpose of ongoing talks with the government if Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan is not going to resign, reiterating that his resignation remains the group’s key demand.“In yesterday’s meeting, we received a positive response regarding compensation and legal cases. We got an in-principle agreement, and we hope to receive the written agreement today as well. However, there has been no concrete decision on our main demand. The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.” Ranka stated according to news agency PTI.“In fact, what we saw in the mainstream media yesterday, citing sources, was that Dharmendra Pradhan will not resign. If he is not going to resign, then these meetings serve no purpose,” he added.“In that case, we will move ahead with whatever strategy we decide next. If the government remains adamant, despite the entire country demanding only Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, and says that he will not resign, then let it be made clear. But if the government continues with this approach, we too will be compelled to take tougher decisions,” said Ranka.Earlier, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said its protest will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, rejecting government assurances on fast-track courts and stressing that accountability remains the movement’s central demand.Speaking to reporters, CJP spokesperson Deepak Balyan said, “CJP’s clear call is that this protest will continue indefinitely until Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Education Minister) resigns. PM Modi says cases will be tried in fast-track courts, but those are just words; we don’t trust them because the youth have been cheated many times before. The youth feel betrayed and are troubled.”“But the youth of this country have now awakened and won’t be fooled by such talk. Their straightforward demand is the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure accountability. This fight of ours is a fight for accountability and responsibility,” he added.Balyan said a delegation of the organisation was scheduled to meet government representatives at a neutral venue later in the day and would raise several demands during the discussions.“Our delegation is going to meet them at a neutral venue around 12.30pm. Our primary demand is the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Second is a compensation of Rs 1 crore (likely for affected students/families). Third are issues related to reforms in the education system.” he said.“The youth want Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, so this fight will continue until he resigns. I believe he prioritizes the interests of these students above all else. Whatever the students want, Sonam ji will want the same,” Deepak Balyan added.The CJP also welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his hunger strike and said he remained supportive of the students’ movement.“Regarding Sonam Wangchuk ji, he was on an indefinite hunger strike for 26-27 days, and his health was continuously deteriorating. Sonam ji is a prominent scientist of our country and a national asset. We were very concerned about his health and wanted him to end the fast. He has made a massive contribution to awakening the students. He ended his fast; he actually did so last night. We pray for his speedy recovery so he can be back among us,” he said.“Wangchuk ji is with us. He is not separate at all. He has played a huge role in awakening the students and youth and bringing them onto one platform. He is with us,” the CJP spokesperson added.Meanwhile, CJP president Abhijeet Dipke reiterated the demand for ministerial accountability in a post on X, saying the education minister should step down in light of the ongoing examination-related controversies.He wrote, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign!”Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh after receiving a written assurance from the Centre regarding the NEET examination issue and reforms in the country’s competitive examination system.Explaining his decision, Wangchuk said, “The Ministers who came from the government’s side also provided this assurance. For the past two days, a very tough–how shall I say–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,” Wangchuk said.Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured strict action against those responsible for alleged paper leaks and said the Union Cabinet would consider a draft Bill proposing fast-track courts and stricter punishment for offenders.
