India’s central government has indicated openness to dialogue with protesting students amid ongoing demonstrations over the medical entrance exam paper leak. According to NDTV, officials said discussions with the protesters would be considered later depending on the situation, though no timeline has been set. On Monday, Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited injured students at Lady Hardinge Hospital and met representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), urging them to withdraw their protest.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the group presented three main demands: the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of one crore rupees for families of deceased examinees, and the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was hospitalized after a 21-day hunger strike. Protests intensified after Wangchuk was forcibly taken to hospital, with thousands gathering at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to march toward Parliament, leaving several injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the harshest punishment for those involved in the leak, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of suppressing students instead of addressing their concerns.