CJP calls off Jantar Mantar protest after talks with Centre

New Delhi, July 25
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday announced the immediate withdrawal of its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, saying the decision followed discussions with senior Union ministers and assurances from the Centre on its key demands.

The announcement came after a meeting between CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das, National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

Addressing a press conference, Das said the government had assured the organisation that no fresh criminal cases would be filed against protesters and that FIRs already registered in connection with the agitation would be withdrawn.

“We are withdrawing the agitation based on the understanding that the agreed terms will be implemented within the agreed timeline,” Das said.

The development comes hours after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation, saying he was stepping down in the interest of students and to ensure the NEET-UG controversy did not overshadow their future.

In a letter addressed to the country’s youth, Pradhan said he accepted responsibility following irregularities in the May 3 NEET-UG examination. He defended the Centre’s response, which included transferring the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the examination and conducting a fresh test on June 21.

He also announced that the NEET examination would move to a fully computer-based format from next year, describing the measure as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and restore confidence in the examination system.

Pradhan said the government’s priority had been to ensure that more than 20 lakh students could complete the admission process without further disruption. He thanked students, parents, state governments and district administrations for supporting the re-examination process.