New Delhi, Jul 24: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday reiterated that its protest over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, despite social activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his 26-day hunger strike.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement would not be withdrawn until the Centre accepts its primary demand of Pradhan’s resignation.
“Our protest will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. We are relieved that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days because his life is extremely precious to this country,” Dipke told reporters.
He also said any talks with the government should take place at a neutral venue.
“Nothing less than the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan will be accepted,” he asserted.
Another CJP representative, Ashutosh Ranka, said the protest at Jantar Mantar would continue despite the government’s assurances that prompted Wangchuk to end his fast.
Ranka said a meeting with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh was scheduled later in the day, and the outcome would be shared during a press conference.
He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message announcing stricter action against examination paper leaks, saying the government’s response reflected growing public pressure.
“The strictest action would be to remove Dharmendra Pradhan. If the Prime Minister does that, we will believe the government is serious about the youth of this country,” Ranka said.
CJP spokesperson Deepak Balyan also dismissed the government’s proposal for fast-track courts as inadequate, saying the youth had lost faith in repeated assurances.
“The protest will continue indefinitely until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Fast-track courts are only promises. Young people have been let down too many times and want accountability,” he said.
The CJP has been spearheading protests demanding accountability for the alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the examination system, compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy, and withdrawal of legal action against peaceful protesters.
