Centre offered to swap Dharmendra Pradhan's portfolio; CJP rejected compromise

Before Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 25, the central government proposed shifting him to another ministry to resolve the impasse with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) negotiators. The CJP rejected the compromise and insisted on a complete exit from the Union Cabinet.

Compromise proposal detailed

Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who represented the government in discussions, suggested that student leaders could conclude their agitation at Jantar Mantar if a new Education Minister was appointed. The proposal would have kept Pradhan in the Cabinet with a different portfolio. CJP representatives turned down the suggestion, reiterating their core demand for a resignation.

What we can verify

• Government initiative: Officials proposed shifting Pradhan out of the education ministry as a middle path during the final rounds of negotiations. CJP leaders refused the option, demanding a full resignation. — The Indian Express
• Pre-conditions met: The government had already agreed to CJP's other primary demands, including the withdrawal of FIRs filed against peaceful protesters and initiating compensation protocols for families of deceased NEET aspirants. — The Indian Express
• Official denial: BJP MP and party spokesperson Sambit Patra denied the report outside Parliament, calling it "completely baseless" and "entirely fiction." — The Indian Express
• Agitation end: After CJP rejected the portfolio swap, Pradhan announced his resignation on July 25 and the group called off its 36-day protest in Delhi. — The Indian Express

What remains unverified

• Prime Ministerial stance: It remains unverified whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had formally signed off on the portfolio swap proposal before it was presented, or if it was floated as a tentative negotiating point by Nadda and Singh.
• Alternative portfolio: The specific alternative ministry that was to be offered to Pradhan was not disclosed by government or CJP sources.