Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - The Centre on Friday held a second round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak continued, with the government seeking more time to decide on the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

After nearly two hours of discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the Centre had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the resignation demand. He also claimed the government was positive about compensating the families of students who died by suicide after the NEET controversy and not filing cases against peaceful protesters, though officials said these demands would only be discussed further.

Union Minister JP Nadda confirmed that another meeting would be held on Saturday after the government reviews the CJP's demands, which also include reforms to the examination system. While activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike following assurances from the Centre, the CJP reiterated that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains its non-negotiable demand.

With another round of talks scheduled for Saturday, the government's response to the CJP's key demand is expected to determine the next course of the nationwide protest.