HighLights
  1. Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister.
  2. CJP demands compensation and action against police.
  3. Talks underway for written assurances to end protest.

CJP Protest: Saturday marked a major development in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said he had stepped down to ensure that the situation arising from the protests over examination irregularities was not exploited by "anti-national forces."

In a letter shared on X, Pradhan wrote, "The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications…Keeping these considerations in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister.”

CJP Celebrates But Refuses To End Protest

Soon after the resignation, CJP leaders celebrated at the protest site at Jantar Mantar. However, they made it clear that the agitation would not end immediately. While Pradhan's resignation, which was the central demand of the protest, has been welcomed as a major victory by the CJP, the party has made it clear that their remaining demands must also be fulfilled.

What Dipke Said

Speaking on Pradhan’s resignation, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "It's a victory for the constitution of India. It's a victory for the people of India…” He stressed that while Pradhan's resignation was a significant step, the party's remaining demands must also be fulfilled before the protest is called off. Their two demands include compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide and action against police personnel over the alleged use of force on protesters.

"There's no need to be afraid. This is democracy. He has resigned, but we have two more demands. We won't go like this. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. But the families of the children who committed suicide should receive compensation of one crore rupees. They should get it. One crore rupees compensation to all those families. And second, these police goons who acted on the 20th. Action must be taken against the police officers for that. Remember, do not mess with cockroaches…,” Dipke said.

Meanwhile, the CJP has also shared the updated list of its demands on its official X handle.

ALSO READ: 'Win For Democracy': Oppn Leaders Hail Students As Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Protest

Fresh Round Of Talks With Government

Furthermore, the next round of talks between the government and the CJP delegation is happening today at the Constitution Club of India. The outcome of the meeting is expected to decide whether the protest continues. Ahead of the meeting, CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said, "We've been called at 3:30 pm. We're not going anywhere until all our demands are met and they give them in writing. This is a huge victory."

CJP Demands Written Assurances

The party has maintained that verbal assurances will not be enough. CJP leaders have insisted that all their demands must be accepted in writing before they end their agitation. Highlighting this stand, CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, "If you accept our three demands in writing, we will go home. We have requested permission to take out a peaceful candle march across the country. Everyone should take out a candle march across the country at 6:00 in the evening."

Will The Protest End Today?

While Pradhan's resignation marks a breakthrough for the protesters, CJP leaders have made it clear that the protest will continue unless the government accepts all of their demands in writing.

ALSO READ: 'Win For Democracy': Oppn Leaders Hail Students As Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Protest


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