'We won't leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns': CJP draws red line

Addressing the protesters, Ranka said the organisation, which started as an online satirical campaign, has already achieved success on two fronts in its agitation against the government.

'We have already won on two fronts'

"We have already achieved victories on two fronts. First, we have awakened a country that had forgotten how to question. Today, we are able to look people in the eye and speak to them.

"Second, the government, which had been calling us cockroaches, anti-nationals, terrorists and viruses, has now invited us for dialogue," Ranka said.

'Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable'

However, Ranka made it clear that Pradhan's resignation remains a non-negotiable demand, while assuring the protesters that victory on that front is not far away.

"Now, the third front is our long-standing demand—the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. He will have to resign. We will not leave Jantar Mantar until he does. We will not move until we achieve victory on this third front.

"We are facing difficulties both professionally and personally because of this historic movement. But I want to remind every protester that a little pain today will lead to a massive reform tomorrow. We have to fight a little longer, but I can assure you that our victory is near," the CJP spokesperson said.

CJP ready for talks, but on neutral ground

According to a Hindustan Times report, the CJP said it was ready to hold talks with the government, but only at Jantar Mantar or at a neutral venue, declining to meet at any government office or official residence.

The group said it would be willing to hold discussions at the Constitution Club of India if the ministers' visit to Jantar Mantar posed a "security issue", as the protest site has become the epicentre of the agitation.

Crackdown on Parliament march

The development comes two days after police launched a massive crackdown on the CJP's Parliament March, during which several protesters were lathicharged in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Police also fired tear gas shells, barricaded roads and detained protesters as one of the most significant anti-government protests in recent years escalated into a major confrontation.

According to reports, several police personnel were also injured in the clashes.

Protest enters crucial phase

The CJP began its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar nearly a month ago, demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged paper leak, along with wider educational reforms.

The movement gathered momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the protesters.

Last week, Wangchuk was forcibly removed from Jantar Mantar by police and admitted to the state-run Safdarjung Hospital.

He was later ordered by the Delhi High Court to be shifted to the private Medanta Hospital.