Citizens for Justice and Peace reiterated its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign following talks with the central government on Friday [1].

The standoff centers on the NEET examination paper-leak controversy, a scandal that has sparked widespread protests over academic integrity and systemic accountability in India's medical entrance exams.

Representatives from CJP met with government officials on July 24 [1]. While the central government expressed a positive stance regarding the withdrawal of FIRs and the provision of compensation, the group refused to compromise on the minister's departure [1]. The organization said that nothing short of the resignation of Pradhan is acceptable [2].

In response to the demand, the government requested additional time to reach a decision. Officials asked for a window extending until the afternoon of Saturday, July 25 [2].

The protests have been centered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with further meetings scheduled at the Constitution Club [2]. The movement has seen various leaders and activists involved, including JP Nadda and Abhijeet Dipke [2].

Parallel to the political negotiations, other forms of protest have shifted. Sonam Wangchuk recently ended a hunger strike that lasted 26 days [2]. This action was part of the broader wave of unrest surrounding the examination leaks and demands for reform.

CJP leaders said the government's willingness to discuss compensation and legal withdrawals is a start, but not a substitute for leadership accountability [1]. The group continues to push for systemic reforms to ensure such leaks do not recur in future national examinations [1].

“Nothing short of Pradhan's resignation is acceptable”

The refusal of the CJP to accept financial or legal concessions in exchange for the Education Minister's resignation signals a shift from seeking individual relief to demanding structural political accountability. By holding the line on Pradhan's tenure, the protesters are attempting to establish a precedent where cabinet-level officials are held personally responsible for systemic failures in national testing infrastructure.