Published Jul 24, 2026 | 4:54 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 24, 2026 | 4:55 PM
The meeting came a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike.
Synopsis: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said the Centre had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to its demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after talks at the Constitution Club. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the government had agreed in principle to the party’s demands for compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and the withdrawal of cases against student protesters.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday, 24 July, said the Union Government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to its demand for the immediate removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following talks held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party had made it clear that it would not accept “any excuses or justifications” for Pradhan remaining in his post, and that he must either resign or be removed from office.
“We clearly told the government that we will not accept any excuses or justifications on behalf of Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan. Across the country, various protests are taking place. The anger among the country’s youth, the outrage, the public sentiment—it’s very clear: Dharmendra Pradhan has to resign or be sacked,” Ranka said.
“We had a detailed discussion with the government on this matter. The government has asked for time until tomorrow afternoon to respond on this specific issue. We have informed the government that protests are already taking place across the country. These protests will continue to grow, and if we do not soon get Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation or dismissal, they will become even more widespread. Soon, the CJP will have to give another national call.”
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Ranka said the government had, in principle, agreed to the party’s other demands, including ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, and the withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases filed against student protesters.
“The government has expressed an in-principle agreement on compensation and legal cases. That’s a positive development. We will meet the government again tomorrow, and we hope that Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation will be secured,” Ranka said.
The meeting came a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late on Thursday night following assurances from the Centre on his key demands.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
