The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of setting up fast-track courts for paper leak cases, calling it a "distraction" that fails to address the root cause of the NEET paper leak crisis. The outfit reiterated its demand that education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign, saying accountability must begin with him.
CJP's response to PM Modi
Soon after the Prime Minister posted on X that the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks, the CJP issued a terse response on the social media platform.
"Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign," the organisation wrote on X.
In another response, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke quote-posted Modi's message with a photograph of Dharmendra Pradhan carrying the text, "Hi, I am nothing", taking a swipe at both the Prime Minister and the education minister over what the organisation described as the government's refusal to seek Pradhan's resignation.
'Fast-track courts are not the solution'
{{/usCountry}}In another response, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke quote-posted Modi's message with a photograph of Dharmendra Pradhan carrying the text, "Hi, I am nothing", taking a swipe at both the Prime Minister and the education minister over what the organisation described as the government's refusal to seek Pradhan's resignation.
'Fast-track courts are not the solution'
{{/usCountry}}In a detailed statement issued later, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the Prime Minister's announcement failed to address the real issue behind repeated examination paper leaks.
"The announcement of fast-track courts is not a real solution. It is merely a distraction. The Prime Minister is making a cruel joke with the future of millions of students across this country," Ranka said.
He argued that paper leaks were not taking place because India lacked fast-track courts, but because "Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been completely incompetent."
"He has failed to build a secure and foolproof examination system. Today, the youth of this country are demanding one thing above all else — accountability," Ranka said.
Calling the Centre's proposal inadequate, he added: "The Prime Minister's proposed solution is like putting a Band-Aid on a fractured bone. The problem runs much deeper. Our examination system is rotten from within. Unless the systemic failures are addressed, paper leaks will continue to occur."
Ranka further said students "do not need promises of long legal processes" and instead deserved "immediate justice and accountability."
"That accountability must begin with strict action against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan," he said.
What PM Modi said
In his first public remarks on NEET paper leak controversy that has triggered nationwide protests, Prime Minister Modi said protecting the future of students was the government's top priority.
"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!" Modi wrote on X.
"We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students."
He added, "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."
Protests continue
The Prime Minister's announcement comes as protests led by the CJP continue in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak, with demonstrators demanding accountability from the Centre.
Over the past few days, the agitation has intensified, drawing thousands of students and supporters to Jantar Mantar and nearby areas. The protests have also triggered political exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, while security has been tightened across parts of the national capital.
The BJP has defended the government's handling of the issue, with education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other senior leaders accusing the Opposition of politicising the protests. The CJP, however, has maintained that its primary demand remains unchanged: the resignation of the Union education minister and accountability for those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities.
The CJP said it would continue its nationwide agitation until the Centre accepts its key demands, including:
- The resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide.
- No prosecution of peaceful protesters.
- Prosecution of all police officials allegedly involved in atrocities against protesters.