The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday said it would be forced to adopt a “tough stance” if the Center fails to clarify its stand on demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG papers leak controversy.
The remarks came a day after CJP representatives met union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh as part of discussions amid the ongoing protest.
CJP awaits Center’s position in Pradhan
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described Friday’s meeting with the government as fruitful, especially on issues related to compensation and legal procedures. However, he said that the government has not announced any decision on the organisation’s main demand, which is Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
“Yesterday’s meeting resulted in a positive response regarding compensation and legal issues, reaching an agreement in principle. We hope to receive this written agreement today. However, no concrete decision has been taken on our main demand – Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation,” Ranka told news agency ANI.
“Main media reports indicate that sources are saying Pradhan will not step down. If he does not resign, the government should make it clear, because there is no point in continuing these meetings. We will then decide our next steps… If the government continues this approach, we will have to take a tough line,” he added.
Also read: CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says he now has a fourth demand. Here’s what it is
Ranka also said that the CJP would decide its future course of action once the Center officially clarifies its stand on Pradhan’s resignation.
Explaining the party’s expectations from the next round of talks with the Center scheduled for Saturday, Ranka reiterated that the CJP wants a clear ‘yes or no’ response to its demand.
“They have given us the time of 3.30 to 4 pm today. The location has not been finalized yet. The discussions are very clear. We have to get written confirmation of the two demands that have been agreed in principle. So that they can be closed. We need clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan – whether they will ask for his resignation or not. We want a yes or no answer because there is not much scope for deliberation on this matter,” he said.
Also Read: Read CJP’s full letter to Modi govt: ‘Our demands are non-negotiable’ | What happened at the ministers’ meeting?
NTA reform does not address accountability: CJP
In response to the National Testing Agency’s decision to sack 47 officials as part of regulatory reform, Ranka said the measure did not address the issue of ministerial accountability.
He said: “We will examine the details, but ultimate accountability lies with the Minister of Education, who is directly responsible for the leak of the papers and the resulting student suicides. He must resign. While we continue to discuss broader reforms and submitted the charter of demands to the government yesterday, his resignation remains essential.”
Read also: 47 NTA officials sacked amid nationwide student protests, more cleanups to come
NTA on Friday announced a series of recruitment measures as part of a broader restructuring exercise based on the recommendations of a high-level expert committee headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan. The agency has advertised senior director general posts and invited applications for 16 young professionals through the Pratibha Setu portal of the Union Public Service Commission.
The Center announces broader reforms
These developments come as the Federal Cabinet approved the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which aim to strengthen anti-paper leakage provisions.
The proposed changes come on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent video message on X, in which he assured tougher action against paper leaks and said the Union Cabinet would consider a draft bill to strengthen the legal framework.
Also Read: PM Modi ‘thanks his friends’ in Instagram video after paper selfie video leaked
Ranka defends Wangchuk after criticism
Ranka defended global activist Sonam Wangchuk after criticism over his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike following written assurance from the Center on reforms.
“There is nothing more shameful than this,” he said. “The man who went on a hunger strike for 26 days and risked his life, did so much for the future of the country. The right is attacking him. There can be nothing more shameful than this.”
Ranka was responding to Congressman Imran Masood’s statements, which indicated that Wangchuk had reached a “personal agreement” with the government.
Read also: “Anna Part 2”: Congressman says Wangchuk made an agreement with the government with a quick expiration; Debaki and BJP react
“We don’t know what Congress is thinking. But they have done a lot, they have also done negotiations that no legal case should be filed and they should get compensation. It is not right to question Sonam ji,” the CJP spokesperson said.
(With inputs from Annie)
