New Delhi, July 25: Bringing an end to one of the country's biggest student-led protest movements in recent years, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday withdrew its nationwide agitation with immediate effect after announcing that the Union Government had accepted all its principal demands following the third round of negotiations.
The announcement came hours after protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar erupted in celebration over the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whose removal had become the central demand of the movement.
Union ministers JP Nadda and jitendra Singh hold talks with CJP Leaders Ashutosh Lanka and Saurav Das, hold joint press conference at the Constitution Club and announced withdrawal of agitation.
Addressing supporters after the talks, CJP leaders said the agitation had achieved its objectives and appealed to protesters across the country to return to their homes peacefully.
"Our nationwide agitation is withdrawn with immediate effect. All our major demands have been accepted by the Government," the CJP announced.
According to the organisation, the Government agreed to provide the maximum possible compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.
The Government has also agreed to withdraw all FIRs registered by the Central Government and NDA-ruled states against protesters and assured that no further action would be taken against those who participated in the agitation.
In addition, the Government agreed to consider the CJP's five-point examination reform charter, with further discussions to be held between the Government and CJP leaders.
Protest that shook the Government
The movement began over allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination and gradually transformed into a nationwide campaign demanding accountability in India's examination system.
Thousands of students, activists and supporters gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, while demonstrations spread to several states.
All the Opposition parties Congress, AAP, SP and Left wings organisations came in support if CJP led protest at Jantar Mantar and across the nation.
The agitation intensified after police action against protesters, with students alleging lathi-charge, use of pellet guns and detention during demonstrations. Images of injured students triggered widespread outrage and fuelled demands for accountability on social media and towns and cities.
The protests gained political momentum as opposition leaders visited the protest site and demanded action against the Education Ministry.
Sonam Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike
A defining moment of the movement was the 26-day hunger strike by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the students in solidarity. His prolonged fast drew national attention and increased pressure on the Government to open negotiations.
Wangchuk eventually ended his fast after assurances from the Government and appeals from leaders across the political spectrum, but negotiations between CJP and the Centre continued.
Pradhan's resignation became turning point
The political scene changed dramatically when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, accepting moral responsibility amid mounting criticism over repeated examination controversies.
His resignation was celebrated by protesters as a major victory and paved the way for the final round of negotiations between the Government and CJP.
Third round seals agreement
Following nearly two hours of discussions in the third round of talks, CJP leaders announced that all their principal demands had been accepted, making continuation of the agitation unnecessary.
Supporters celebrated at Jantar Mantar with slogans, waving flags and embracing each other after the announcement.
While the nationwide agitation has ended, attention is now expected to shift towards the Government's promised examination reforms and implementation of the commitments made during the negotiations.
The movement marks the end of a protest that, over more than a month, evolved from anger over alleged examination irregularities into a wider demand for transparency, accountability and reform in India's competitive examination system.
Will its political fall-out hit BJP and benefit Opposition will be gauged in the coming electoral battle or not? BJP was pushed in the defence. BJP may up its ante against Opposition- ruled states like Karnataka as well where paperless are reported.
But a Himalayan question remains shrouded in mystery: Will CJP espouse its political ambition or it will just fizzle out.
At all events, the students and youth power has emerged as the real winners. Our democracy has won.
