Sonam Wangchuk Dropped Pradhan Resignation Demand, But CJP's Insistence Stalled Talks: Sources

Published 23 July 2026 · politics

Sonam Wangchuk Dropped Pradhan Resignation Demand, But CJP's Insistence Stalled Talks: Sources Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 12:30 IST The development

Sonam Wangchuk Dropped Pradhan Resignation Demand, But CJP's Insistence Stalled Talks: Sources Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 12:30 IST The development comes amid widespread agitation in the national capital, where activists, students and supporters have been demanding accountability over paper leaks Rapid Read Heavy police forces have been stationed at and around Jantar Mantar, where the protestors are gathering to stage a sit-in (Representational image/ANI) Discussions between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is spearheading the protests at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak, have hit a roadblock over key preconditions set by the protesting group, government sources said on Thursday. The development comes amid widespread agitation in the national capital, where activists, students and supporters have been demanding accountability over paper leaks and reforms in the examination system.

According to government sources, Sonam Wangchuk had reportedly decided to drop his insistence on the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan—a move that was initially seen as a positive step that could help break the deadlock. However, the sources said the CJP delegation subsequently reiterated two preconditions before formal discussions could begin—the resignation of the minister and that any dialogue with the Centre be held publicly at Jantar Mantar. Government sources said both demands are unacceptable to the Centre, resulting in the current impasse. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the CJP's remaining demands for the Centre? The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) remaining demands for the Centre include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and that any dialogue be held publicly at Jantar Mantar.

The Centre has stated that both these demands are unacceptable. Could the government reconsider a public dialogue at Jantar Mantar? The government has stated that holding a public dialogue at Jantar Mantar is unacceptable to the Centre. This is in response to preconditions set by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is spearheading protests over the NEET paper leak. How will the NEET paper leak issue be resolved now? Discussions between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak have stalled due to preconditions set by the CJP, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and public talks at Jantar Mantar, which the Centre finds unacceptable. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs.