New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday as thousands of protesters gathered in the national capital in response to the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Chalo Sansad” march, demanding Pradhan’s resignation over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak.
The meeting took place at Shah’s office in the Parliament House complex amid heightened security in central Delhi, where protesters attempted to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
Amit Shah, Pradhan hold meeting
According to officials quoted by PTI, Dharmendra Pradhan met Amit Shah at the Home Minister’s office on Monday.
However, officials did not disclose the agenda of the meeting, and it remains unclear whether the ongoing protests or the demands raised by the CJP were discussed.
The meeting came at a time when demonstrations in Delhi intensified, with protesters attempting to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament.
Government opens dialogue with CJP
Earlier in the day, the Cockroach Janta Party said that the government had reached out for discussions.
The organisation announced that two of its spokespersons would meet Union Minister J.P. Nadda to present their demands.
Following the meeting, the CJP stated that while the government had agreed to hold discussions, no commitment had yet been made regarding its key demands.
The party said it would continue its peaceful agitation until meaningful action is taken.
Protest enters second month
Led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janta Party has been holding protests at Jantar Mantar since June 20.
The movement has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system and justice for students allegedly affected by the NEET-UG paper leak.
The protests have attracted support from students and activists in several parts of the country.
CJP reiterates key demands
Speaking during the protest, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterated the organisation’s principal demands.
According to Dipke, the group is seeking:
- The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with examination-related issues.
- The release of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The organisation maintains that systemic reforms are necessary to restore confidence in the country’s examination process.
Sonam Wangchuk sets conditions
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was recently shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police, announced that he would end his fast if the government agreed to any one of three conditions.
These include:
- The government accepting responsibility for recent failures in the examination system, including paper leaks.
- Members of Parliament agreeing to raise and discuss the CJP’s demands during the Monsoon Session.
- If immediate action is not possible, Members of Parliament from different political parties visiting him in hospital and assuring him that the issues will be taken up.
Protesters march towards Parliament
The CJP had earlier called for a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, coinciding with the commencement of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Thousands assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to march towards Parliament.
During the march, protesters reportedly pushed through police barricades, following which security personnel used tear gas and carried out lathi charges to disperse the crowd and prevent them from entering restricted areas.
Security across central Delhi was significantly strengthened, with additional deployments of Delhi Police, paramilitary personnel and forces from neighbouring districts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as protests remain ongoing.