The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following talks with the government on Friday.

The standoff centers on allegations of a NEET-UG examination paper leak and the subsequent deaths of student protesters. The CJP said the minister must step down to ensure accountability for the handling of the crisis.

Representatives of the CJP met with government officials at the Constitution Club in Delhi. Following the meeting, the party said the government expressed positivity on two specific demands [1]: the withdrawal of first-information reports (FIRs) against protesters, and the provision of compensation for the families of students who died during the unrest [1].

Despite these concessions, the CJP remains firm on the necessity of Pradhan's resignation. The government said it has sought additional time until Saturday to respond to the demand for the minister's departure.

The protests have been centered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The unrest has seen significant police intervention, with more than 25 students detained by the Delhi Police [2].

Adding to the momentum of the movement, activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a hunger strike that lasted 26 days [3]. The strike was part of the broader push for systemic reform and accountability regarding the examination process.

Talks between the CJP and the Centre are scheduled to resume tomorrow to determine if a resolution can be reached regarding the leadership of the Education Ministry.

“The CJP remains firm on the necessity of Pradhan's resignation.”

The government's willingness to drop legal charges and pay compensation suggests an attempt to de-escalate the Jantar Mantar protests without sacrificing high-level political leadership. By granting these two concessions, the Centre is addressing the immediate grievances of the protesters' families and detainees while attempting to isolate the demand for Minister Pradhan's resignation as a separate, non-negotiable political point.