The Tatva

The Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained locked in a fresh standoff on Thursday after the government claimed it had sent four formal proposals within 24 hours, offering to meet protest representatives at any time to discuss their demands.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government had repeatedly approached CJP representatives since Wednesday afternoon and was ready to hold discussions at Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s office or residence. He added that both ministers would remain present and appealed to the protesting youth to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

However, CJP representatives rejected the proposed locations. During an announcement from the stage at Jantar Mantar, organisers reportedly asked the assembled protesters whether they should accept the government’s invitation. The crowd collectively refused, following which the leadership announced that it would not attend a meeting at any minister’s home or office.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the government should come to the protest site and speak before the people, arguing that the “people’s court” was at Jantar Mantar. He said CJP remained open to dialogue but would accept either Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue located close to the protest site.

The government, meanwhile, described its invitation as open-ended and said discussions could take place at the protesters’ convenience. Officials maintained that the proposals were part of continuous efforts to reach a peaceful solution and address concerns related to examination paper leaks.

The two sides had previously held discussions on July 20, when CJP representatives presented their demands, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The protest group now says Pradhan’s removal remains non-negotiable, along with compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide and the withdrawal of cases registered against peaceful protesters.

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