The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has hardened its position ahead of the third round of talks with the Indian government, saying there is no point in continuing discussions unless Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said on Saturday that the minister's resignation is "non-negotiable."

"Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable. If it's a no from the government, there's no point in further discussion," Ranka wrote on X.

The third round of talks is scheduled for Saturday afternoon after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh held nearly two hours of discussions with CJP representatives on Friday at the Constitution Club.

According to the protesters, the CJP has placed three key demands before the government: the resignation of the education minister, assurance that no legal action will be taken against protesting students, and Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

Government representatives reportedly agreed in principle to the demands for no legal action against protesters and compensation. However, Pradhan's resignation remains the main point of disagreement.

After Friday's meeting, Nadda said the government would review the demands internally before responding in the next round of talks.

"The meeting lasted for almost two hours. They raised three main demands and suggested five reforms for the examination system. We will meet them again on Saturday and share the government's position," he said.

Government sources said the Centre is not considering the education minister's resignation and continues to support him.

According to the sources, the government believes stepping down would be the easiest option but is not justified. They said the government intends to fulfil its responsibilities under the mandate it received from the public.

Meanwhile, the Centre has announced several measures to address examination paper leaks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said fast-track courts will be set up to handle such cases, while the government is preparing amendments to strengthen penalties and fines for those involved in paper leak crimes.

The government has also replaced the education secretary, removed 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), and promised a comprehensive overhaul of the examination body.

Reacting to the dismissal of the NTA officials, Ranka said the move alone was insufficient.

He argued that the education minister must take responsibility for the repeated paper leaks and the deaths of students linked to the NEET controversy, insisting that Pradhan's resignation remains essential.

Source: NDTV