CJP Declines Nadda's Invitation, Demands Government Meet Protesters at Jantar Mantar

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) 'categorically' declined government's invitation to meet Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday, saying that the government should now come to the protest site at Jantar Mantar.

Speaking to reporters, CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said, “This morning, the police reached out to us again and informed us that BJP national president JP Nadda wanted to speak with us. They invited us to his residence, but we categorically declined. We are not going to anyone's house or office."

A 'janata darbar' is being held here, he said, adding that the ministers should come to the people if they want to talk. "The discussion should take place at Jantar Mantar."

Das added that if the government had security concerns, CJP was willing to meet at a neutral venue near the protest site. He also said the government should first clarify whether it genuinely intended to address the party's demands, adding that there was no point in holding "meaningless discussions."

Speaking in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Nadda said that the government is ready to discuss all issues, including NEET paper leak.

The rejection to meet the minister at his residence comes at a time when CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called out Delhi Police for recent remarks, saying, "Delhi police has no moral rights to advise us about peaceful protest after thrashing students on Monday."

JP Nadda met CJP members on Monday

In the first direct contact between the Centre and CJP, Nadda on Monday held talks with spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das and assured that the government leadership will hold internal discussions on their demands, after thousands of protesters tried to march to Parliament but were prevented by police.

The party representatives submitted a memorandum citing their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.

Following the meeting, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "The government wasted our time. They invited our delegation. They seized their mobiles. Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were, in a way, under house arrest at J P Nadda's residence."

"The whole plan was to scatter the team, so that when there is chaos, no one is there. That is why they kept them sitting for five hours and wasted our time. You call for talks on one hand, and unleash batons on students on the other hand," he alleged.

"The only assurance we got is that he will talk to the leadership and share the conclusions," Ranka had told PTI Videos after the meeting.