Representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Thursday claimed that their student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar had evolved into a nationwide movement and renewed their demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak issue.
Addressing reporters at the protest site, CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka said the agitation, which has been underway for over a month, had drawn support from across the country.
He claimed thousands of people remained at Jantar Mantar while millions were participating in protests elsewhere, calling it a major achievement for the movement.
CJP renews demand for minister’s removal
Ranka said the protesters remained willing to engage with the government but questioned the purpose of further discussions if their demands had already been conveyed.
“Our demands are clear. We want the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan,” he said, adding that the government should decide whether it intended to remove the minister instead of prolonging negotiations.
He also said the protesters had provided clear timelines during discussions with the government and had kept the media informed after regaining access to their mobile phones, which he claimed had been confiscated for a period before the first round of talks.
Protesters seek compensation and protection
Ranka said the protesters were seeking compensation of Rs 1 crore, the removal of Pradhan and an assurance that no action would be taken against those participating in the agitation.
Referring to a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, he alleged that the minister had presented the government’s version of events and said the sit-in would not continue if the protesters’ concerns were addressed.
On Sonam Wangchuk’s condition, Ranka claimed his vital signs were stable but alleged that his health was deteriorating. He also expressed concern about the possibility of police action against demonstrators.
Ranka said volunteers were being deployed in greater numbers to maintain order at the protest site and minimise any untoward incidents.
BJP accused of trying to disrupt protest
Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that outsiders had been sent to disrupt the month-long protest.
He accused BJP workers of attempting to incite violence and defame the demonstrators by pelting stones.
On Wednesday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the NEET-UG paper leak issue should not be politicised and described it as a serious matter requiring detailed discussion. He said the government was prepared to discuss all aspects of the issue in Parliament.