New Delhi, July 23 -- While the Union Government insists its doors are open for dialogue regarding the NEET paper leak controversy, protesting student leaders say no formal invite has actually reached them, leaving the two sides locked in a high-stakes standoff with no clear end in sight.

The Centre on Thursday reiterated its willingness to hold talks with the student representatives, while the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said it had not received any communication from the government yet and remained ready for dialogue at Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the government does not stand on prestige and both him and Union Minister JP Nadda would be present during any dialogue.

"The govt has sent fou...