‘It went well’: Nadda says CJP meeting was cordial, offers no clarity on demands

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday described his meeting with representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party as “fine”, but did not clarify whether the government had accepted or offered any commitment on their demands.

“It went well. It always goes well,” Nadda said when asked about Monday’s talks while arriving for the NDA’s ‘Mangal Milan’ programme.

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CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka and chief spokesperson Saurav Das met Nadda at his residence as protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified in the national capital.

CJP submits three demands

The delegation sought the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide, and the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk without restrictions on his movement.

According to Nadda, discussions began at around 11.50 am on Monday. The delegation initially presented its demands verbally and later submitted a written petition at around 4 pm.

Nadda said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and appealed to protesters to end their sit-in and help the administration restore normalcy near Parliament.

Conflicting accounts over assurances

There was no clear agreement between the two sides on whether any assurance had been given.

Government sources cited by IANS said Nadda made no commitment on any of the three demands.

Ranka, however, said the minister had assured the delegation that the issues would be discussed at the appropriate level, while adding that no firm commitment had been made.

“The demands have been conveyed, including the immediate resignation or sacking of Dharmendra Pradhan,” Ranka said.

“The minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far,” he added.

Das said the protest would continue until Pradhan resigned.

Protest continues after clashes

CJP supporters returned to Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, a day after the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march ended in clashes between demonstrators and security personnel.

Police and Rapid Action Force personnel remained deployed at the protest site as demonstrators resumed their sit-in after the stage and tents were removed.

Delhi Police said more than 118 police and central force personnel, including several senior officers and women personnel, were injured during Monday’s violence.

Around 60 protesters were also reported injured.

Police have registered an FIR at Connaught Place police station over alleged vandalism and unrest. Investigators are examining more than 250 videos, including CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings, drone visuals and police body-camera footage, to identify those allegedly involved.