The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has hinted at a potential breakthrough in its talks with the central government, with spokesperson Saurav Das claiming that official representatives have shared draft notifications pledging to drop pending police cases, free detained activists, and guarantee protection against future legal action.
The announcement came only hours after the newly formed political group threatened to relaunch its nationwide campaign. The organisation accused the government of breaking promises made when the 49-day anti-NEET paper leak movement was called off on July 25, following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Those initial undertakings included dropping all criminal charges filed by the Centre and state governments led by the governing coalition, guaranteeing that no further action would be taken against demonstrators, offering compensation to the families of students who died by suicide in connection with the exam leaks, and considering a five-point reform charter for public examinations.
Writing on social media on Monday evening, Das stated that government representatives met CJP leaders shortly after the party held a press conference, with discussions lasting nearly three hours. He confirmed that officials produced copies of state notifications from Bihar and Assam promising the withdrawal of charges, immunity from future police action, and the immediate release of all individuals held in custody.
Das added that officials promised matching guarantees from the central government and other coalition-ruled states by Tuesday, expressing hope that the finalised paperwork would reflect the exact wording agreed between the parties, while reassuring supporters that no protester would be left behind.
Earlier in the day, CJP representatives appeared alongside senior advocate and MP Kapil Sibal, alleging that police operations against demonstrators had persisted despite the formal standstill agreed on 25 July. The party had accused authorities of making fresh arrests and subjecting volunteers to continued surveillance, warning that failure to deliver formal written commitments by Tuesday would leave them with no option but to take to the streets once again.
The sudden shift follows four days after the group temporarily called off its 36-day campaign, which originally began at Jantar Mantar on 20 June before gathering national momentum when activist Sonam Wangchuk joined a hunger strike. The standoff reached a crisis point on 20 July after security forces blocked marchers attempting to reach Parliament, leading to widespread anger and unconfirmed allegations of heavy-handed tactics used against student groups.
Also read: Parliament set to table anti-paper leak bill today
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