Tensions flared in the national capital on Monday after the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march witnessed clashes between protesters and Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar.
The protest, organised on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, drew nearly 8,000 participants, according to police. Demonstrators gathered to demand accountability for alleged irregularities in the education system, including the NEET paper leak, and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The march began despite Delhi Police denying permission for the procession and imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across parts of New Delhi.
Police Use Force After Barricades Breached
As protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, tensions escalated near the Kerala House entry point after a section of the crowd allegedly breached police barricades. Police responded with a lathi-charge and used mild force to disperse the gathering.
Authorities stated that the action was taken to prevent the crowd from advancing into restricted areas and to maintain law and order.
However, Delhi Police later denied reports of indiscriminate violence, stating that the protest was being handled professionally.
“No such incident has taken place. The protest is being handled professionally. Citizens are requested not to fall prey to rumours or misinformation,” Delhi Police said in a public statement.
Political Leaders Join Protest
Several opposition leaders and public figures joined the demonstration in support of the protesters, including:
- Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief Chandrashekhar Azad
- Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra
- AAP leaders Atishi, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Gopal Rai
- Actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi
Addressing the gathering, AAP leader Gopal Rai said the protest represented the concerns of millions of students across the country.
He alleged that repeated examination irregularities had affected the future of young aspirants and reiterated the demand for accountability from the Union government.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Under Close Observation
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than three weeks, remained admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
Hospital authorities said his vital signs were stable but added that his blood parameters continued to require close clinical monitoring.
In a handwritten note released from the hospital, Wangchuk said he would consider ending his fast if the government accepted responsibility for failures in the education system or if Members of Parliament assured him that the issue would be raised during the Monsoon Session.
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, thanked supporters for maintaining a peaceful protest while continuing to seek permission to shift Wangchuk to a private hospital.
Heavy Security Across Central Delhi
Security remained tight across central Delhi throughout the day.
Barricades were placed around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Janpath, and surrounding areas, while riot control vehicles and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed to prevent any breach of security.
Metro services remained operational, though authorities monitored crowd movement closely as protesters continued gathering near the demonstration site.
The situation remained tense, with police maintaining a strong presence and organisers insisting that the protest would continue until their demands were addressed.
