CJP-Centre 3rd round of talks today, Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation in focus

Download AppNewsIndiaCJP-Centre 3rd round of talks today, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation in focus The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are scheduled to resume talks today, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remaining the key sticking point.People participate in a protest against the NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are set to hold their third round of talks on Saturday, with the government's response to the NEET paper leak agitation entering a decisive phase after days of negotiations and outreach. The latest meeting comes after the Centre agreed to two of the CJP' three key demands while seeking more time on the contentious demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.Meanwhile, security has been intensified across the national capital in view of the protests. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed several metro stations, liquor shops have been directed to shut early and the Delhi Police has cancelled routine leave for all personnel, ordering the entire force to remain on duty to ensure "all hands on the ground".The talks follow a dramatic 48 hours that also saw activist Sonam Wangchuk end his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances, the Union Cabinet approved a draft law proposing up to 10 years' imprisonment and a Rs 10 crore fine for organised paper leak rackets and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases.CJP VS CENTRE: TOP DEVELOPMENTS The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are scheduled to hold a third round of talks on Saturday after nearly two hours of discussions on Friday failed to resolve the deadlock over Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Following the meeting, CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the demand. Union Minister JP Nadda confirmed that another meeting had been scheduled, saying the Centre would communicate its position after further deliberations. Even as negotiations with the protesters continue, the government sources have firmly rejected the possibility of Dharmendra Pradhan stepping down over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Government sources said resignation would be the "easiest thing to do" and would amount to evading responsibility. Instead, they said the government's priority is to overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA), with a detailed assessment of institutional shortcomings already completed and corrective measures expected to be implemented soon. The second round of talks on Friday saw the Centre soften its stance, agreeing to hold negotiations at the Constitution Club instead of a minister's residence and accepting two CJP demands: no FIRs against peaceful participants of the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide over the examination controversy. However, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka maintained that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains non-negotiable and also sought a public apology over the alleged police action on protesters. The National Testing Agency, in one of the biggest administrative actions since the controversy erupted, terminated the services of 47 officials on July 24. The government is also planning a complete revamp of the agency's outsourcing mechanism for examination-related work to improve oversight, strengthen accountability and plug systemic loopholes. Earlier, on Friday afternoon, the Union Cabinet approved a draft bill proposing significantly harsher punishment for paper leak offences. The proposed amendments provide for a minimum five-year jail term, extendable up to 10 years, along with fines of up to Rs 10 crore for organised paper leak rackets. Investigations would have to be completed within three months, while trials would be conducted through fast-track courts. The legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a second selfie-style video yesterday night thanking youngsters for their response to his late-night message on the examination issue, saying their suggestions had further strengthened his bond with them. "Thank you, friends! I had a chance to meet you all yesternight. The response to the video I posted was immense. Thanks to everybody for providing their insightful suggestions. We would keep connecting in a positive way. Thank you, everyone," PM Modi said in his video message on Instagram. The DMRC has closed 18 Metro stations across central Delhi from Saturday morning until further notice in anticipation of protests. According to the metro operator, entry and exit will remain closed at Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, Jhandewalan and New Delhi stations. However, interchange facilities will continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. Furthermore, the Delhi government has directed liquor shops to close by 8 pm until the weekend ends following police inputs on the security situation. The move follows an unannounced early closure on Thursday that caught many customers by surprise. "The shops will now close by 8 pm till the weekend. The decision was taken based on the police inputs flagging the prevailing situation due to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar," a senior Delhi government officer said. A day after ending his 26-day indefinite hunger strike, activist Sonam Wangchuk hit back at critics questioning his decision, saying he should not have to prove the sincerity of his protest. In a two-minute video message, Wangchuk said he had lost around 11 kg and suffered severe physical strain during the fast, asking whether he needed a "character certificate" to establish his honesty. Wangchuk ended the hunger strike after the Centre assured him that it would consider key demands, raise accountability issues in Parliament and refrain from taking action against peaceful protesters. AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY !!! Do please watch and help spread the word. Find the full 22 minutes video on my YouTube Channel: Sonam Wangchuk pic.twitter.com/6CO3tjZsSD — Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 24, 2026 The CJP launched its indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20 seeking Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET. The agitation intensified after Wangchuk and six student activists began a hunger strike, culminating in clashes during a Parliament march on July 20 that triggered nationwide attention and ultimately pushed the Centre into sustained negotiations with the protesters. - EndsPublished By: Shipra ParasharPublished On: Jul 25, 2026 07:59 IST