NEW DELHI — The Union government and representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) are scheduled to hold talks at 12:30 PM on Friday at the Constitution Club of India. The dialogue comes after the Centre reportedly agreed to the outfit's demand for a neutral venue, though official confirmation from government authorities is still awaited.
The development follows activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday after receiving assurances from the government regarding his core demands.
Welcoming the move, CJP national spokesperson Saurav Das confirmed the meeting venue. "We are very happy that the government has agreed to our request that the meeting should be held at a neutral venue, and the Constitution Club of India has been chosen," Das told reporters. "I hope the government comes with an open mind and listens to the people."
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The CJP had previously rejected government offers to meet at a minister's office or residence, holding firm to its demand for a neutral location. Relations between the two sides soured following their last meeting on July 20, when CJP national spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at his home. The representatives later claimed they were placed under "virtual detention" during the interaction, prompting their firm stance on neutral ground for any future talks.
Despite agreeing to the meeting, the CJP insists its ongoing demonstration at Jantar Mantar will persist until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down. Beyond Pradhan's resignation, the outfit's key demands include:
Structural reforms in the national examination system and systemic accountability.
₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
The unconditional dismissal of all FIRs and legal proceedings initiated against peaceful student protesters.
