Sonam Wangchuk Eased Stand on Dharmendra Pradhan, but CJP’s Demands Derailed Dialogue: Sources
Talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET 2026 paper leak protests have hit a roadblock after the group reiterated preconditions for formal dialogue, government sources said. Sources claimed Sonam Wangchuk had dropped his demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, but the Centre rejected the remaining conditions for talks.
Discussions between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is leading protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak and education reforms, have reached an impasse after the protesting group reiterated key preconditions for formal talks, according to government sources. The development comes despite what sources described as an earlier indication that activist Sonam Wangchuk had dropped his insistence on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The latest deadlock follows days of demonstrations in the national capital, where students, activists and supporters have been demanding accountability over examination paper leaks and broader reforms to the country's examination system. While the Centre has maintained that it is willing to engage in dialogue, both sides remain divided over the terms under which discussions should take place.
Sources Say Preconditions Stalled Negotiations
According to government sources, Sonam Wangchuk had reportedly decided to withdraw his demand seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a move that was initially viewed as a potential breakthrough in efforts to begin formal discussions.
However, the sources said the CJP delegation subsequently reiterated two preconditions before talks could commence, 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.
Centre Says Dialogue Remains Possible
The stalemate comes after the Centre had signalled its willingness to engage with the protesters.
In recent days, Union Minister JP Nadda met a CJP delegation, appealed to them to end the agitation and assured them that the government remained open to dialogue. He also visited injured protesters in hospital following clashes during the 'Chalo Sansad' march.
The BJP has maintained that the doors for talks remain open while accusing the Opposition of politicising the protests.
Despite the deadlock, government sources said communication channels remain active and efforts are continuing to find a middle ground that could pave the way for formal negotiations. According to the sources, the Centre continues to favour dialogue but without accepting preconditions.
Nadda Cautions Against Politicising Paper Leak Issue
On Wednesday, JP Nadda appealed against politicising the NEET paper leak controversy, saying students' concerns should not be used for political gain and should instead be addressed through discussion and corrective measures.
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Nadda questioned why he had not raised the issue of paper leaks during previous governments. He also referred to paper leak incidents that occurred during the Congress-led UPA government.
The movement led by the CJP began over allegations surrounding the NEET 2026 paper leak but has since broadened into a wider campaign demanding reforms in India's examination system and greater accountability over recurring paper leak incidents.
As discussions remain stalled, both sides continue to indicate that communication has not been completely severed, leaving open the possibility of negotiations if differences over the conditions for talks can be resolved.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 03:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
