New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.):

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday said that the government is ready to hold discussions with the students protesting at Jantar Mantar. He said the students would have to come to his residence or official office for the talks.

Speaking in the Parliament premises, JP Nadda said, “Yes, we are ready. They can come to our residence or our official office.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters in the Parliament complex that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that those found guilty in paper leak cases will face strict punishment through fast-track courts. He urged the Congress and Opposition parties not to politicise the issue and instead participate in a discussion.

“Do not run away from the discussion. Hold a debate,” Goyal said.

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had met JP Nadda at his residence on July 20 and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. Later, when they were invited again for talks on Wednesday, CJP leaders said they would not visit his residence or office but were willing to hold discussions at another location.

Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh had also said that the government was ready to engage in dialogue with the protesting students at any place.

Meanwhile, according to CJP sources, the organisation has decided that it will not hold any discussions with the government at the minister’s office or residence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar