The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest intensified on Monday as thousands of demonstrators marched towards Parliament under the banner of ‘Chalo Sansad’, leading to clashes with security personnel, tear gas shelling and baton charges at multiple locations in central Delhi.
The march, organised on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, comes amid the ongoing agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and other education-related issues.
Tear Gas and Baton Charge as Protesters Advance
Security personnel used tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse protesters near the Constitution Club, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and surrounding areas after large groups attempted to move towards Parliament.
Earlier in the day, police had already resorted to lathi-charge after some protesters allegedly breached barricades near Jantar Mantar. Authorities also claimed that stone-pelting incidents occurred during the march.
The Delhi Police maintained that the situation was being handled professionally despite the growing crowds.
Parliament Security Tightened, PM Modi Leaves Premises
Security around Parliament was significantly strengthened as the protest gathered momentum.
Authorities closed entry gates to the Parliament complex, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the Parliament premises around noon amid heightened security arrangements.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains in force across several parts of New Delhi, with police reiterating that permission had not been granted for the march.
Government Opens Communication with CJP
In a significant development, CJP leaders confirmed that they were heading for talks with Union Minister JP Nadda, marking what the organisation described as the first formal outreach by the government since the protest began more than a month ago.
The discussions come after sustained demonstrations and growing public attention surrounding activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike.
Sonam Wangchuk Appeals to Join Protest
From Safdarjung Hospital, where he was shifted by Delhi Police last week, Sonam Wangchuk appealed to be discharged so he could join the Parliament march.
The activist has maintained that he would end his hunger strike if the government accepted responsibility for recent failures in the education system or if Members of Parliament assured him that the issues would be taken up during the Monsoon Session.
His family continues to allege that he is being held under “illegal detention,” while hospital authorities have stated that his vital signs remain stable but require continuous clinical monitoring.
Abhijeet Dipke Ends Hunger Strike
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike on Monday after being persuaded by the father of a NEET aspirant who reportedly died by suicide.
According to the organisation, Dipke decided to resume leadership of the protest march while continuing the movement for education reforms.
Opposition Leaders Extend Support
Several political leaders and public figures joined or supported the protest, including:
- TMC MP Mahua Moitra
- Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) chief Chandrashekhar Azad
- AAP leaders Atishi, Sanjay Singh, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai
- Actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also appealed to the Centre to “listen to the youth” instead of responding with force against protesters.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the use of force against demonstrators, asking why a peaceful protest was met with a lathi-charge.
Heavy Security Across Central Delhi
Delhi Police deployed extensive security arrangements around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Raisina Road and nearby areas.
Barricades, riot control vehicles and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel remained stationed across the protest route as authorities monitored the movement of thousands of demonstrators.
The protest continued through the afternoon, with many participants attempting to march from Connaught Place towards Parliament despite restrictions.
