NEET paper leak row – Center likely to call meeting of leaders, but asks Oppna not to raise resignation demand: Report | Today’s news
The Center is likely to convene a meeting of leaders soon to discuss the issue of NEET-UG 2026 paper leak issue in Parliament, amid ongoing youth protests in the state capital.
ANI sources said the government has started approaching top officials and said it is open to discussing the matter but without any preconditions like resignation demands.
Earlier in the day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, commenting on his meeting with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders, said they can meet him either at his official residence or at his office.
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The NEET paper leak controversy involves allegations against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demanding his resignation over the impact of the leak on students across the country.
The CJP has called for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, saying it is non-negotiable due to his perceived incompetence in preventing NEET paper leaks and his failure to ensure a secure screening system.
The Indian government is open to discussions on the NEET paper leak issue, with Prime Minister Modi announcing plans to set up fast-track courts to quickly punish those involved in the paper leak, though the CJP criticized the response.
The CJP is demanding ₹1 million compensation for the families of students who committed suicide after the NEET paper leak incident as part of their broader call for accountability and reform in the education system.
The CJP insists that any negotiations with the government take place in a neutral venue, believing it will facilitate a more open dialogue on their demands, including the resignation of the education minister.
“Yes, we are ready to talk to the CJP,” he said.
This comes amid ongoing youth protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy that has affected thousands of students across the country.
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Earlier, in a post on X, PM Modi said nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the country’s youth and announced the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure swift and severe punishment of those involved in the paper leak.
Fast track courts to be set up: PM Modi
“We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and strict punishment of those involved in the paper leak. We have directed the authorities and officials concerned to take all necessary steps in this regard. We are thus continuing our series of steps to protect the interests of students,” the prime minister said.
“Those who seek to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” he added.
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This marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first public response to the ongoing protests. His assurance came amid large-scale demonstrations in Delhi and several other cities, including a ‘Chalo Sansad’ call by activists on July 20. The protesters put forward three key demands to end their agitation.
Pradhan’s resignation demand is “non-negotiable”, says CJP
Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das described Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as “non-negotiable” and asserted that the protest will continue until the demand is met.
“Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is non-negotiable. Without that, the protest will continue. It will continue as long as it has to.” Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Wednesday that the issue of paper leakage should not be politicized and it is a serious issue that needs an in-depth discussion,” he said.
“First resign, then we will engage in discussion”: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday reiterated the opposition’s stand and said Pradhan must resign before the issue can be discussed.
Speaking to reporters outside the parliament complex, the SP president said the government had effectively admitted the irregularities by deciding to hold the review but was still avoiding responsibility.
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“We have all gathered here to stand with the students and amplify their voices. The way the students were ill-treated, faced with lathi charges, tear gas and humiliation is unacceptable. By re-exams, the government tacitly admitted that there was a paper leak. The education minister must resign immediately,” Yadav mentioned.
“Let the resignation be submitted and accepted first, only then will we start a discussion on the floor of the House of Representatives. The government must listen to the concerns of the citizens and take steps to solve the problems that affect them,” he added.
