Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - The political battle over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified on Friday, with fresh protests planned in Delhi, high-level talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and heightened security across the national capital.

The Constitution Club is set to host the first formal meeting between government representatives and the CJP, which continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke described the party's demands as "non-negotiable", while Congress announced nationwide candle marches and satyagrahas in support of the student movement. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court agreed to urgently hear a plea challenging the suspension of internet services around Jantar Mantar.

Security remained tight as Delhi Police detained more than 25 students heading to the protest site, calling the action preventive. The DMRC also shut entry and exit at 18 metro stations until further orders. Although activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after talks with the Centre, the CJP reaffirmed that the agitation would continue until Pradhan resigns, while also demanding compensation for families of students who died by suicide and action against officials accused of using force on protesters.

With crucial talks underway and nationwide protests gathering momentum, the NEET paper leak controversy continues to put the Centre under mounting political pressure.