Gen Z wins: CJP ends protest after Centre accepts demands

NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) called off its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar after the Centre accepted all of its key demands following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET question paper leak controversy. The protest site erupted in celebrations as CJP supporters cheered, with many breaking down in tears.

Before ending the agitation, protesters observed a moment of silence in memory of the students who died by suicide after facing mental stress linked to the NEET controversy. The demonstrators then began vacating the protest site.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Education Ministry. Political sources indicated that Pradhan's resignation came after he reportedly lost the support of the RSS.

President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation on the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Centre also accepted all four major demands raised by the CJP. These included Pradhan's resignation, compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of students who died by suicide, withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters, and an assurance that no fresh cases would be registered against them. The government is expected to hand over a written assurance on Tuesday.

Following the third round of talks, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh met CJP representatives Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both sides shaking hands after reaching an understanding.

The Centre also agreed to hold detailed discussions at a later stage on the CJP's proposals for reforms in the conduct of national examinations.

The protest had led to tension in the national capital after CJP supporters marched towards Parliament on June 20. With the agitation now withdrawn, normalcy began returning to the area, and Metro services resumed. Before leaving, the protesters dismantled the protest site and cleaned the venue.

Youth power is the true strength of this nation, says Dharmendra Pradhan

Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation through a post on X at around 2.18 pm on Friday. In an open letter addressed to the youth, he said he was saddened by the developments of the past 10 days.

"This is not about personal prestige. The youth are the real strength of the nation, and they should not be allowed to fall into confusion. To ensure that anti-national forces do not exploit the situation that emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere, to safeguard the country's unity, and to ensure that the future of no student in India is trapped in legal disputes, I have submitted my resignation to the Prime Minister," Pradhan wrote.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi welcomed the development, saying, "It is time to bring down the Modi government. Pradhan's resignation should be the first step towards overhauling the education system. Congratulations to every student who took to the streets to defend democracy."

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "We made it happen. People used to say no minister resigns in the Modi government. But sometimes it takes determined people to make those in power bow. Never underestimate the cockroaches."

Activist Sonam Wangchuk described the development as, "A victory for democracy, peace, patience and perseverance."