Government Opens Fresh Talks with Sonam Wangchuk as NEET Protest Intensifies: Will Parliament Finally Address Students’ Demands?

New Delhi: In a significant development amid the ongoing NEET protest movement, the Central Government is expected to hold a second round of talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough in the weeks-long standoff over alleged irregularities in the country’s competitive examination system.

The renewed dialogue comes shortly after Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh met activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical supervision while continuing his hunger strike in support of students demanding reforms in the education system.

According to sources, the ministers discussed the protesters’ key concerns and indicated that the government is open to a parliamentary discussion on issues surrounding the NEET examination, along with other concerns raised by the movement. Wangchuk has reportedly maintained that he is willing to end his fast if Parliament formally debates the matter and addresses the larger issues affecting students across the country.

Second Round of Dialogue on the Cards

This would be the second formal interaction between the Centre and the protest leaders. Earlier this week, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and submitted a detailed list of demands. The ministers reportedly assured them that the government would deliberate internally before responding.

Although no official announcement followed the first meeting, the latest interaction with Wangchuk has revived hopes that negotiations may move forward.

Why Are Students Protesting?

The protests, which have continued for several weeks at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, were triggered by allegations of NEET question paper leaks and irregularities in the conduct of competitive examinations.

The protesters are demanding:

• A transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak.
• Greater accountability in the examination system.
• Re-evaluation and checking of CBSE Class 12 answer sheets.
• Stronger safeguards for future competitive examinations.
• The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom they hold politically responsible for repeated examination-related controversies.

Despite ongoing discussions with the government, protest leaders have reiterated that the demonstrations will continue until their demands are addressed.

ALSO READ : DMK Knocks on Supreme Court’s Door Over Vijay’s Karur Visit, Seeks Gag Order on Ministers in Stampede Probe

Movement Refuses to Back Down

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the movement would not end merely because talks have begun. Addressing supporters, he asserted that the protesters would continue their peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar until meaningful action is taken.

Ranka also referred to the recent police action against demonstrators, alleging that students faced lathi-charge, tear gas, and detentions during attempts to disperse the gathering. He maintained that the movement remains committed to the principles of peaceful protest, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

He further claimed that the campaign represents one of the country’s largest youth-led movements in recent years and warned that public participation could grow further if the concerns remain unresolved.

Political Support Grows

The protest has also attracted significant political attention. Several opposition leaders and public figures have expressed solidarity with the students.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by senior Congress leaders, recently staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister’s Residence in support of the protesters. The demonstration ended with police removing the leaders from the site. The Congress later alleged that Rahul Gandhi was manhandled during the operation, while authorities carried out the removals as part of maintaining law and order.

All Eyes on Wednesday’s Meeting

With another round of negotiations expected, attention is now focused on whether the government and student representatives can find common ground. A parliamentary discussion on the examination controversy could become a crucial confidence-building step and may determine the future course of the agitation.

For thousands of students, parents, and educators following the developments, the upcoming talks are being viewed as a critical opportunity to restore trust in India’s competitive examination system and address concerns that have dominated national debate for weeks.