Opposition parties intensified protests over the NEET controversy in Parliament, while the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a nationwide agitation demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
The political confrontation over the NEET examination controversy escalated on Friday as the Opposition staged protests inside Parliament and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called for nationwide demonstrations. The developments came ahead of the Centre's proposed anti-paper leak legislation and scheduled talks between CJP representatives and the government.
New Delhi: The NEET examination controversy witnessed fresh political developments on Friday as Opposition leaders stepped up protests inside Parliament and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a nationwide mobilisation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests coincided with the Centre's move to consider a proposed anti-paper leak Bill and its announcement to establish fast-track courts for cases involving examination fraud.
The latest demonstrations come amid continuing political debate over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and the Centre's proposed legislative response.
Opposition Renews Demand for Education Minister's Resignation
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge led Opposition MPs in a protest inside the Parliament premises, reiterating the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET issue.
Also Read: A Students' Protest or a Political Show? Jantar Mantar Lost Its Purpose
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy questioned the delay in bringing the proposed legislation to address paper leaks.
"What can we say until we see it? It's been so long. Why is it taking so long? Why is the government so lax in meeting the students' demands? The main question is, when will Dharmendra Pradhan quit?" Roy told reporters.
CJP Calls for Nationwide Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) appealed to students and youth across the country to participate in nationwide protests on Friday in solidarity with demonstrators who faced police action during recent protests in Delhi.
The organisation said the agitation would continue despite activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his indefinite hunger strike.
According to the CJP, the movement now focuses on seeking accountability in the education system, a comprehensive investigation into the alleged examination irregularities, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
CJP Rejects Fast-Track Court Proposal
The Centre has announced plans to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination paper leaks and is expected to consider a proposed anti-paper leak Bill before introducing it in Parliament.
However, the CJP said legislative measures alone would not address the concerns raised by students.
In a statement on X, the organisation said:
"Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. Fast-track courts are not the solution."
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the issue concerns governance and accountability rather than delays in prosecution.
He stated that the organisation believes political accountability is necessary alongside legal reforms.
Centre and CJP Scheduled for Talks
Representatives of the CJP are scheduled to meet Central Government representatives later on Friday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, following an agreement by both sides to hold discussions at a neutral venue.
The meeting is expected to focus on the CJP's key demands, including a comprehensive probe into the alleged examination irregularities, action against those responsible for paper leaks, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Background of the Ongoing Agitation
The latest mobilisation follows more than a month of demonstrations organised by the CJP, including the sit-in at Jantar Mantar and the 'Sansad Chalo' march, during which clashes were reported between protesters and police.
The NEET controversy continues to dominate political discussions as both the government and Opposition remain engaged over the proposed legislative response and demands for accountability.
