Union ministers meet Cockroach Janta Party over exam controversy

Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das and National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka in New Delhi on Friday. The discussion, held at Vithal Patel House, covered various key topics amidst ongoing political developments, though the specific agenda was not officially disclosed. The CJP representatives agreed to engage in dialogue following the government’s acceptance of two of their conditions: that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters, and that adequate compensation would be provided to families of students affected by recent exam irregularities. Despite this, the CJP remains firm in demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This meeting follows social activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Union Government regarding the NEET examination issues and systemic reforms in the competitive testing framework in India. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital. In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk said, “Greetings, friends. Today, on the 26th day, I would like to share some special news with you all. It is currently about 12:30 at night. A short while ago, Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited me here. The top leaders of the Apex Body were also present.” The activist, who had been protesting against irregularities in national-level examinations, noted that the breakthrough came after substantial parliamentary support and intense negotiations. He added that although verbal assurances were previously offered, he insisted on a formal document, which caused a two-day delay in ending his protest. Late at night, the Prime Minister released a self-recorded video on X announcing that the Union Cabinet will consider a draft Bill to establish Fast-Track Courts and impose stringent punishments for offenders involved in exam paper leaks. He said, “I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts.” Accompanying the video, the Prime Minister wrote, “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!” In the video, PM Narendra Modi stated, “Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful. And that is why, in the last two and a half months since the paper leak incidents, several major steps have been taken. The culprits have been caught; they are currently in jail.” He also said, “Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced. News of the happiness of successful students is coming from all over the country.”