The standoff between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the ongoing NEET paper leak protests showed no signs of easing on Thursday after the protest group reportedly declined a fresh offer from the government to continue dialogue. The development came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, while opposition leaders and protest organisers maintained that the government’s response failed to address their core demands.
As per media reports, government sources said the Centre had reached out to the CJP leadership with a proposal to resume discussions. However, the organisation reportedly rejected the offer, indicating that the impasse over the protest remains unresolved.
CJP Says Accountability Must Come Before Punishment
Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement, CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka argued that the government’s focus was limited to punishing offenders after examination leaks occur instead of addressing the systemic failures behind repeated irregularities.
Speaking to news agency, Ranka alleged that corruption and administrative failures had weakened the examination system and claimed meaningful reform would require fixing accountability at the highest levels.
“The Prime Minister is talking about what punishment should be given after a paper leak occurs, but why is there no discussion on why paper leaks are happening in the first place?… As long as you do not bring accountability to the system… paper leaks are not going to stop,” he said.
The organisation has continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the alleged failures in the examination process.
PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure quicker trials in paper leak cases and stricter punishment for those found guilty.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said protecting students’ future remained the government’s highest priority.”Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks… Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.”
The Prime Minister also said directions had been issued to the concerned authorities to implement the decision as part of broader efforts to safeguard students’ interests.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Centre Over Education System
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the Prime Minister’s statement, accusing the government of weakening the country’s education system and failing to ensure accountability.
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the Centre had allowed the education system to deteriorate while protecting those responsible for repeated examination controversies.”You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system—and protected every person responsible for it.”
His remarks added to the political confrontation surrounding the NEET controversy, with the Opposition continuing to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a wider debate on examination reforms.
As the protests continue, the gap between the government’s proposed reforms and the protesters’ demands appears to remain significant, with no immediate breakthrough in sight.
