Centre invites protesters for talks at J.P. Nadda’s office; CJP rejects offer

As the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar refuse to die down, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday (July 23, 2026) said the Central Government has reiterated its commitment to dialogue, stating that it has extended multiple formal invitations to student representatives for discussions.

Follow Jantar Mantar protest LIVE updates on July 23

Mr. Singh, speaking to ANI, said it’s not a ‘prestige issue for the government’ and emphasised he along with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda are ready for discussions with the CJP, either at Mr. Nadda’s residence or office, beyond any time-limit.

“This is a part of the series of continuous steps taken by the government for the welfare of the students. Humbly, I appeal to you all to come and have discussions,” he said. Mr. Singh stated that four invitations for talks have been extended to the CJP since Wednesday (July 22).

The CJP has categorically rejected the Minister of State PMO’s offer. Addressing the students gathered at Jantar Mantar, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the CJP has declined the offer to have talks at Mr. Nadda’s residence or office.

“The Ministers told us not to call them to Jantar Mantar since people are very angry and they won’t be able to come there. We offered to hold talks at a neutral venue,” Mr. Ranka said as the crowd cheered. The CJP will only hold talks with the government at either Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue nearby, he said.

“We have also told the government the talks will only proceed if the Centre can offer us something concrete, otherwise, don’t waste our time,” Mr. Ranka added.

The government outreach comes as as the national capital witnesses large-scale protests at Jantar Mantar, led by ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ and various student organisations. The protesters are demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation following a series of irregularities in exams, including the leak of NEET-UG paper.

Earlier this week, Mr. Nadda had met with a CJP delegation to hear their demands, which include the resignation of the Education Minister and compensation for affected students.

PM Modi speaks on students’ protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier in the day, said that the government has decided to set up fast-track courts for paper leak cases. Mr. Modi stated in a post on X, “We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks,” in his first direct comments tied to major protests by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on NEET-UG paper leak.