New Delhi, July 25 -- Dear reader,

The NEET controversy has spilled far beyond Delhi's protest sites. While students continue demonstrations across the country demanding accountability over the alleged paper leak, India's coaching capital, Kota, is grappling with a quieter fallout: uncertainty.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has emerged as the face of the protests, remains firm on its key demands after another round of talks with the Centre. It wants Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, a fresh NEET exam, withdrawal of cases against protesters, an apology for alleged police action, and Rs.1 crore compensation for families of aspirants who died by suicide after the exam was cancelled.

In Kota, where nearly ...