New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Chalo Sansad” march in the national capital on Monday led to widespread disruption, clashes with police, and heightened security arrangements as Parliament’s Monsoon Session commenced. Despite the Delhi Police denying permission for the march and imposing restrictions on large public gatherings, thousands of protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar and attempted to march towards Parliament, resulting in confrontations with security personnel.
Authorities had already issued prohibitory orders ahead of the protest, stating that demonstrations, processions, and assemblies outside designated areas would not be permitted without prior approval. As protesters gathered in large numbers, police attempted to stop the march, leading to clashes during which security personnel used lathis and tear gas to disperse sections of the crowd.
According to the Delhi Police, 17 police and paramilitary personnel were injured while managing the law-and-order situation. In an official statement shared on social media platform X, the force appealed to demonstrators to remain peaceful, cooperate with authorities, and avoid engaging in unlawful activities. The police also urged the public not to circulate rumours or rely on unverified information on social media, emphasizing that citizens should depend only on official and credible sources for updates.
The protest was organised by the CJP over alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examination, including claims of question paper leaks. The group has also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration coincided with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, increasing the security challenge for authorities responsible for safeguarding key government institutions.
Security measures across central Delhi were significantly tightened. Several Delhi Metro stations, including major interchange points, temporarily restricted entry and exit to prevent overcrowding and maintain public safety. Mobile internet services were also suspended in parts of central Delhi as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of misinformation and facilitate effective law enforcement.
Despite the tensions on the streets, the Centre initiated dialogue with the protesting organisation. Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda met a delegation representing the CJP in New Delhi. According to official statements, discussions between the government and the protesters began around noon and continued for several hours in what was described as a cordial atmosphere.
Following the meeting, the CJP delegation submitted a written memorandum outlining its demands. Sharing details of the interaction on X, JP Nadda stated that the government had engaged with the representatives constructively and appealed to the protesters to end their sit-in demonstration.
He said the discussions had taken place in a positive environment and requested demonstrators to cooperate with the administration in restoring normalcy in the national capital. Government sources also indicated that there would be no forceful evacuation of protesters from Jantar Mantar, highlighting the administration’s preference for dialogue over confrontation.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for over three weeks in support of the movement, remained admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk had earlier requested hospital authorities to allow him to temporarily leave the facility so he could participate in the Parliament march, claiming that his health parameters had improved.
In a handwritten note, Wangchuk also listed three conditions under which he would end his fast. These included government accountability on alleged shortcomings in the education system, assurances that the issue would be discussed in Parliament, and a personal commitment from senior political leaders if he was unable to join the march because of health concerns.
Earlier in the day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his own indefinite hunger strike following a request from Wangchuk, who has remained hospitalized since July 18 after requiring medical intervention during his prolonged fast.
Legal developments also unfolded alongside the protest. The Delhi High Court declined to urgently hear a public interest litigation challenging Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, observing that the petitioner was seeking a declaration that could be considered during the court’s regular schedule rather than on an urgent basis.
The protest also drew political reactions from opposition parties. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed support for the demonstrators and called for accountability over the alleged examination irregularities. The Samajwadi Party claimed that its Lok Sabha MP Dimple Yadav, along with several party leaders, was detained by the Delhi Police while participating in the protest. The party criticised the action, describing it as undemocratic.
Within Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the developments unfolded outside the House. Opposition parties also indicated that they would raise the clashes between protesters and the police during proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.
As discussions between the Centre and protest leaders continue, authorities remain focused on restoring normalcy in the capital, while protesters await further developments regarding their demands on examination reforms and accountability. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to shape the course of the agitation in the coming days.
