NEET paper leak: CJP meets JP Nadda, demands Pradhan resignation and ₹1 crore compensation
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Spokespersons of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at his residence on Monday, 20 July to submit a written list of demands over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Nadda reportedly assured the delegation that he would take up their demands 'internally' with the 'leadership', though no immediate commitment was made.
What the CJP Demanded
In a post on X, Saurav Das said: 'After waiting for more than 2 hours, Ashutosh Ranka and I just met J.P. Nadda ji at his residence for 10 minutes. While we submitted a written letter with our demands, he has assured us that he will speak internally. We are in that process. There is news of mass detention, etc.'
Ashutosh Ranka added on X that Nadda had 'requested some time to align with their leadership' regarding three specific demands: the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and a ₹1 crore compensation for all NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had earlier stated: 'Our demands are clear: Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. The families of the children who committed suicide should receive a compensation of Rs 1 crore. And Sonam Wangchuk should be released immediately.'
Sansad Chalo Protest Turns Tense
The meeting came against the backdrop of a charged 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi on the same day, organised by the CJP and its supporters to demand governmental accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and related examination irregularities — including alleged lapses in the 12th CBSE Board examinations — that have raised nationwide concerns about the integrity of competitive assessments.
As protesters attempted to advance towards Parliament House, they were met by a significant police presence. Clashes broke out at Jantar Mantar when demonstrators tried to cross security barricades, with police personnel pushing them back repeatedly. A lathi charge was also reported during the confrontation.
Heavy Security Deployment
Delhi Police erected multiple layers of barricading across the New Delhi district to contain the march. A riot control vehicle was deployed at Jantar Mantar early in the day, and authorities imposed movement restrictions in the surrounding area. Visuals from the site showed hundreds of students and young protesters carrying flags and raising slogans.
Police also deployed signal jammers in and around the protest venue, with several demonstrators claiming that mobile phone connectivity was disrupted near the site, according to reports.
Broader Context
The NEET-UG paper leak has triggered sustained protests across India, with students and civil society groups calling for systemic reform in the administration of competitive examinations. The controversy has put the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Education Ministry under intense scrutiny. This is among the largest student-led demonstrations in New Delhi in recent months, and pressure on the government is unlikely to ease until concrete accountability measures are announced.