CJP stands firm on Pradhan resignation
Collected Photo
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) maintained its firm stance on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as it prepared for a meeting with government representatives on Friday.
Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent promise of a new law to combat paper leaks and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to conclude his hunger strike, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das confirmed that the platform’s position remains unchanged.
Das said the protest would persist until the government meets every demand, expressing hope that officials would arrive with “an open mind” to address public concerns.
The scheduled meeting will take place at Delhi’s Constitutional Club of India, a neutral location selected after ministers voiced security concerns regarding the original protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Das explained “If the ministers have doubts about coming here due to security reasons, we understand. So, we offered them alternative venues that are non-politically affiliated institutions.”
He dismissed the significance of the Prime Minister’s proposed legislative action, noting, “The Cabinet can do as it pleases. It has nothing to do with us. Our demands remain the same, and the protest will continue until those demands are met.”
CJP’s list of requirements includes Pradhan’s immediate resignation, financial compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following exam cancellations, and the total withdrawal of legal cases against protesters.
While addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke emphasized the neutrality of the venue while reiterating, “I would like to reiterate that we are demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.”
Dipke also expressed relief regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s health but clarified that “The Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.” He credited Wangchuk with awakening the “conscience” of the nation during his 26-day fast.
Two major developments preceded the meeting: Modi’s video address promising a new legal framework and Wangchuk ending his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Wangchuk noted that the government had pledged to discuss the paper leak crisis, provide compensation to victims’ families, and protect peaceful protesters from legal action. While CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka welcomed the government’s concessions regarding compensation and legal cases, he insisted on formal documentation.
Ranka said, “However, we are still awaiting written assurance. We want to make it very clear that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan has been our primary demand since the very beginning of this protest.”
Source: The Indian Express (adapted)
