No Resignation, no consensus: CJP talks hit deadlock again; Parliament stalled for fourth day

NEW DELHI: The Opposition has said it will agree to a discussion in Parliament on the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination only after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The ruling NDA, however, has maintained that it is ready for a debate without any preconditions and has left it to the Opposition to decide the timing and duration of the discussion. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is leading the protest at Jantar Mantar, has insisted that any talks with the Centre should be held either at the protest site or at a neutral venue.

While the Opposition staged a protest outside the Prime Minister's official residence on Tuesday, its MPs held a prayer meeting at Gandhi Smriti on Thursday as part of their campaign.

Around 6 pm, INDIA bloc MPs met at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence in Sunehri Bagh. Police stepped up security after the Opposition reportedly planned to march towards India Gate. However, after permission was denied, the protesters shifted their demonstration to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg, about two kilometres away.

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a plea on Friday seeking an NIA investigation into the CJP-led protest. Meanwhile, the condition of Sakshi (21), a resident of Chhatarpur in Delhi, remained critical for the fourth consecutive day after she suffered a serious head injury during police action at the CJP's Parliament march.

Modi promises fast-track courts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday responded publicly to the protests for the first time since they began. He said nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the country's youth. Modi announced that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure the speedy punishment of those involved in the alleged question paper leak. He also warned that those attempting to destroy the future of young people would not be spared.

Reacting to the Prime Minister's remarks, Rahul Gandhi accused him of being responsible for ruining the future of the country's youth.

Centre, CJP differ on venue for talks

Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterated that the Centre is ready to hold talks with CJP representatives at any time of their choosing. He invited them to meet either at the office or residence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.

However, CJP has stuck to its earlier stand that discussions should take place only at Jantar Mantar or at a neutral venue. The party has also called for a nationwide protest on Thursday.

Measures taken by the Centre

• Internet services were suspended within a 2-km radius of Jantar Mantar.
• Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba, who allegedly slapped a woman protester during the demonstration, was removed from duty at Jantar Mantar.
• Delhi Police said there is no connection between the CJP protest and the decision to authorise the Police Commissioner to invoke the National Security Act (NSA).