The Centre reportedly explored an alternative to the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during negotiations with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), offering to shift him to another ministry instead of removing him from the Union Cabinet. However, the proposal was allegedly rejected, with the CJP maintaining that Pradhan’s resignation was its only acceptable demand.
According to reports citing sources, the proposal was discussed during negotiations between senior Union ministers and CJP leaders as the government attempted to resolve the standoff over the alleged NEET paper leak and the nationwide student protests.
Government Explored Alternative During Talks
Sources said the Centre’s negotiating team, comprising Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, informed CJP representatives Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das that decisions regarding the appointment, removal or transfer of Union ministers rest solely with the Prime Minister.
The reported offer involved assigning Dharmendra Pradhan a different portfolio instead of accepting his resignation from the Cabinet.
CJP Rejected Compromise Proposal
According to the reports, the CJP declined the proposal and reiterated that it would not settle for anything short of Pradhan stepping down as Education Minister.
The first round of discussions between the two sides took place on July 20, when large-scale protests and police action unfolded in Delhi during the organisation’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
Resignation Came Before Final Round of Negotiations
Days later, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Education Ministry, just hours before the third round of talks between the government and the CJP.
Following the resignation, both sides jointly announced that the agitation would be withdrawn after negotiations concluded successfully.
Focus Shifts to Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law
Attention has now shifted to Parliament, where the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is under discussion.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen action against examination-related fraud by enhancing penalties. The Bill proposes increasing the maximum prison term from five years to ten years, along with fines of up to ₹50 lakh for those found guilty of serious examination offences.
Meanwhile, political exchanges over the student protests continue, with the ruling alliance defending its handling of the issue while opposition parties continue demanding accountability over the alleged police action against protesters.
