Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Tuesday, 22 July described his meeting with members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) as having gone well, even as he declined to confirm any assurances given to the protesters camped at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The meeting, held a day after violent clashes erupted during the 'Sansad Chalo' March, marked the first formal dialogue between the government and the agitating group.

How the Meetings Unfolded

Two rounds of talks took place on Monday at Nadda's residence. The first meeting occurred at around 11:50 a.m., when the CJP delegation presented its demands verbally. Nadda asked the representatives to put their demands in writing. At around 4 p.m., the delegation returned and handed over a formal written memorandum.

The CJP was represented by spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Arriving for the NDA's 'Mangal Milan' programme on Tuesday, Nadda told reporters, 'It went well. It (a meeting) always goes well.' He did not elaborate on any commitments made to the protesters.

The Three Key Demands

The written memorandum submitted by the CJP outlined three specific demands. First, the unconditional release of social activist Sonam Wangchuk without restrictions on his movement. Second, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Third, a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET 2026 paper leak controversy.

According to government sources, no assurances were given by Nadda on any of the three demands. The Union Minister instead appealed to the protesters to withdraw their month-long sit-in at Jantar Mantar and cooperate with authorities in restoring normalcy in the high-security area near Parliament.

Nadda's Post-Meeting Statement on X

Following the discussions, Nadda posted on social media platform X, stating that the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. He noted that the CJP itself had approached the government seeking dialogue, and confirmed that the delegation had submitted its written petition at around 4 p.m. after extensive discussions earlier in the day.

Protest Continues; Police Probe Violence

Despite the talks, demonstrators remained at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday morning, continuing their agitation a day after violent confrontations with security forces during the 'Sansad Chalo' March. After police dismantled the stage and tents, protesters reclaimed the area following a renewed call from the CJP to persist. A significant deployment of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel remained at the site.

The clashes on Monday erupted as thousands of CJP supporters and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding Pradhan's resignation over recurring examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leaks. Delhi Police have since registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Connaught Place police station in connection with the violence and vandalism reported in the area.

Investigators are examining more than 250 videos — including mobile phone recordings, CCTV footage, drone camera visuals, and police body-worn camera footage — to identify individuals allegedly responsible for the unrest. With no resolution in sight on the protesters' core demands, the standoff at Jantar Mantar is likely to intensify in the coming days.