CJP protesters demand clear answer on Education Minister's resignation amid NEET controversy
The Cockroach Janata Party seeks a definitive response from the Centre on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as protesters continue demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over examination irregularities and systemic failures.
CJP protesters demand clear answer on Education Minister's resignation amid NEET controversy
The Cockroach Janata Party has demanded a clear response from the government on whether Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will resign over the NEET examination controversy. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the group wants a straightforward answer on the minister's future ahead of a scheduled meeting with government officials between 3.30pm and 4pm on Saturday.
The protests centre on the 2026 NEET examination held on May 3, which saw over 2.27 million aspirants appear for the test. The exam was cancelled on May 12, 2026 after investigations revealed overlaps between a pre-circulated guess paper and the actual question paper. NEET serves as the sole nationwide examination for admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency.
Ranka said the CJP is seeking written confirmation on demands where there has been an in-principle agreement with the government. These include compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET leak and protection from legal action for protesting students.
Wangchuk defends decision to end hunger strike
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old engineer and education reformer who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018, defended his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike despite the government not agreeing to demand Pradhan's resignation. Wangchuk said his priority was securing assurances that protesters would not face legal action and that discussions on examination reforms would take place in Parliament.
He rejected allegations of a deal with the government, stating he continued the fast until he received written assurances from the Centre.
Pattern of examination irregularities
The current controversy follows a history of examination security failures. The 2024 NEET-UG controversy saw allegations that at least 155 students directly benefited from a paper leak, though the Supreme Court of India ruled there was no evidence of systemic failure beyond isolated incidents. In that exam, more than 80 students reportedly secured a perfect score of 720 out of 720, compared to only seven students achieving full marks in the entire period from 2016 to 2024.
NEET and its predecessor AIPMT have faced at least five major documented paper leak controversies since 2015, including the 2015 AIPMT Bluetooth scam, 2016 NEET Phase II leak allegations, 2021 Rajasthan leak allegations, the 2024 Bihar paper leak, and the 2026 Nashik-Sikar case.
The National Testing Agency, which conducts the examinations, operates with just 22 employees on deputation, 38 contractual staff members, and 138 outsourced workers, while conducting more than 20 major central examinations annually involving over six million aspirants across just the four biggest exams.
Government announces stricter measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government would introduce stricter measures against paper leaks, including a draft Bill aimed at setting up fast-track courts and imposing tougher punishments for offenders. The Union Cabinet is expected to discuss proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was passed by Parliament on February 9, 2024, received presidential assent on February 25, 2024, and came into force on June 21, 2024. The Act prescribes imprisonment for 3-5 years and fines up to 10 lakh rupees for individuals, and up to 1 crore rupees for service providers involved in examination malpractice.
Political criticism and security measures
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government's handling of the protests, accusing authorities of taking cruel steps against students demanding accountability. He claimed restrictions, including the closure of Delhi Metro stations and other measures, were aimed at suppressing student voices.
Security arrangements have been increased around Jantar Mantar, where protests are continuing. Delhi Police has installed facial recognition cameras and additional barricades. Police sources said more than 2,500 people with criminal backgrounds had been identified at the protest site, and 15 FIRs have been registered.
Eighteen Delhi Metro stations in central Delhi remained closed from Saturday morning due to security concerns linked to the ongoing protests. The affected stations include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Supreme Court, ITO, Mandi House and New Delhi. Interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
Dharmendra Pradhan has served as India's Education Minister since July 2021 and is a member of Parliament from Sambalpur, Odisha. He previously held cabinet positions as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Steel. The CJP-led protest continues at Jantar Mantar, with demonstrators demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the competitive exam system, and the minister's resignation.
