The Centre is set to hold another round of talks with leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday as Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh are expected to meet the delegation amid the continuing protest over alleged irregularities linked to NEET exam.
The meeting comes two days after CJP representatives held discussions with Nadda and submitted a charter of demands.
Speaking ahead of the proposed meeting, CJP leader Sourav Das said the group remained open to dialogue but would not meet the ministers at their office or residence.
"They have called us. We will not go to their office or their residence. The talks will either happen at Jantar Mantar or at a neutral location. We are open for talks right from day one. They had also approached us day before yesterday. We understand there could be a security issue considering they are ministers. We can meet at the Constitution Club of India," Das said.
Fresh demand by CJP
The fresh round of negotiations comes as the Centre continues efforts to resolve the impasse with the protesting students and activists.
CJP on Wednesday expanded its list of demands, with spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka saying the group now wants no FIRs or legal action against those who participated in the July 20 demonstration. Ranka said the agitation now has four demands: the release of Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, ₹1 crore compensation for the families of those who died by suicide, and withdrawal of any legal action against peaceful protesters who took part in the July 20 protest.
Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Parliament after the government agreed to hold a detailed discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak in the Lok Sabha.
Govt agrees to discuss NEET issue inside Parliament
According to PTI, Pradhan met Birla shortly after the government informed the House that it was willing to discuss the issue. The Centre has also urged the Speaker to convene an all-party meeting to decide the rule, date and duration of the debate.
The developments come as protests over the alleged examination irregularities continue both inside and outside Parliament, with the Opposition demanding Pradhan's resignation and seeking a wider discussion on the issue.
