CJP-govt deadlock deepens; nationwide protests announced for tommorow
The protesters rejected the government's offer of talks at the health minister's residence, while mobile internet services were suspended around Jantar Mantar.
The deadlock between India's ruling government and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is leading nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks, deepened today (23 July), as the student-led outfit rejected fresh talks proposals and announced nationwide demonstrations for tomorrow (24 July).
The CJP said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement on fast-track courts to punish those involved in examination paper leaks failed to address the core demands of the movement.
The government once again invited protesting students for talks after an earlier meeting between Union Health Minister JP Nadda and CJP representatives failed to produce a breakthrough.
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Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said the government had made multiple offers for dialogue over the past 24 hours and remained willing to discuss all issues related to the protests.
"We are ready to discuss the issue that led to the agitation, as well as all related matters. The talks can be held with an open mind at Union Health Minister JP Nadda's residence or office," Singh said.
However, a CJP spokesperson said the protesters had rejected the proposal, insisting that any talks must take place at a "neutral" venue.
The latest developments come as the government continues efforts to end both the parliamentary impasse during the Monsoon Session and the standoff with protesters over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Meanwhile, authorities suspended mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar – the epicentre of the protests – from 4pm until midnight today.
The CJP also announced nationwide protests for tomorrow, signalling that its agitation is set to continue despite the government's outreach efforts.
Opposition leaders have also expressed support for the protesters. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met INDIA bloc lawmakers at his residence today to discuss their future strategy before attempting to visit Mahatma Gandhi's memorial.
Rahul Gandhi later alleged that security personnel prevented opposition MPs from proceeding to the site.
"Our students are on the road, so all the opposition MPs felt that we should also be on the road," he said.
The CJP-led movement has intensified in recent days, with thousands of protesters participating in demonstrations against alleged examination paper leaks and demanding accountability from the government.
The protests have also disrupted proceedings in Parliament, where opposition parties continue to press the government over the issue.
