Delegation seeks resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide
NEW DELHI — Amid massive protests at Jantar Mantar on Monday, a delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met Union Health Minister J P Nadda and submitted a memorandum outlining its key demands, even as the party’s march to Parliament was stopped by police amid heavy security in central Delhi.
According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the delegation met the minister for around 10 minutes after the government reached out to the organisation. During the meeting, the party sought the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.
The meeting came as thousands of CJP supporters, students and youth activists attempted to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The procession was halted by police, who used tear gas shells and lathi charge against the protesters.
There were also reports of mass detentions and injuries during the police action.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days, remains at Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted there by Delhi Police last week. The activist has alleged that he is being held under “illegal detention.”
In a handwritten note from the hospital, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if the government accepted responsibility for recent failures in the education system, including examination paper leaks, or if Members of Parliament assured him that the issue would be taken up during the ongoing Monsoon Session. He said that if his health did not permit him to travel to Parliament, MPs could instead visit him at the hospital and give the assurance.
The CJP said the police action against protesters amounted to a crackdown on a peaceful demonstration. Videos shared on social media showed police using batons and tear gas as they prevented demonstrators from moving towards Parliament.
The CJP has been holding protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and has been demanding accountability from the Centre, with Monday’s march marking the latest phase of its agitation. —- With inputs from agencies
