- Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse CJP protesters in Delhi near Parliament
- Protesters demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET irregularities
- Police banned large gatherings and closed five Delhi metro stations, citing security concerns
The security forces used tear gas shells to disperse thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who gathered in Delhi to march to the Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, despite police denying permission for the protest.
The police also used sticks and batons to disperse the crowd, mostly youngsters, who had converged at the Jantar Mantar protest site for the "Chalo Sansad" march against alleged irregularities in NEET -- the national entrance test for medical colleges -- and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries as they allegedly tried to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament. Sources put the number of injured personnel at 50.
Mobile internet was also shut down in parts of Central Delhi.
The CJP asked its supporters to "remain calm".
"Even if you've been stopped at certain points, remain calm and maintain peace. We will only win this with peace and love," the party said.
Police restrain CJP supporters gathered near Jantar Mantar, ahead of a planned march to Parliament
Photo Credit: Reuters
Meeting
Two CJP spokespersons met Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday afternoon and handed over a list of demands, including the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"This morning, for the first time, a proposal came from the protesters to hold talks with the government, and our discussions have been ongoing since 11.50 am. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere. An initial verbal discussion was held in detail with their delegation, and they submitted a written petition to me around 4 pm," Nadda wrote on X after the meeting.
"I have requested all the protesters to end their sit-in and assist the administration in restoring normalcy," he said.
Some reports later said the protesters had been evacuated from Jantar Mantar, but this was denied by government sources. The CJP also said the protests will continue.
Police On March
The Delhi Police had denied protesters permission for the march on Sunday and banned large gatherings. They also warned that any person violating the prohibitory orders could face action.
"Protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, with prior permission," the police said in a post on X.
"Delhi Police appeals to all citizens to respect the law, refrain from participating in any unauthorised gathering or march, and cooperate in maintaining public peace, safety and security," the post read.
Chaos At Delhi Metro Stations
Chaos also prevailed at several metro stations in Delhi after five metro stations -- Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth -- were closed over security concerns until further instructions.
Hundreds of commuters were stranded or forced to take longer routes to their destinations.
At Rajiv Chowk, one of the Delhi's busiest interchange metro stations, commuters were seen crowding near the closed entry and exit gates.
CJP Protests
The Cockroach Janta Party was launched in May by Abhijeet Dipke as a satirical digital outfit, following a controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's "parasites" and "cockroaches" remark.
Within days, it took the internet by storm and gained millions of followers across social media platforms. It also attracted support from various Opposition politicians, activists, artists, and sportspersons.
30-year-old Dipke, who has lived in the US for the past two years, then returned to India in June to lead the protests in Delhi, calling for reforms in the education sector following alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including paper leaks.
He was later joined by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who sat on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28.
Sonam Wangchuk being attended by medical professionals on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest on July 15. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also seen on extreme right
Photo Credit: ANI
Wangchuk, 59, however, was taken to hospital by the police last Saturday, citing his health conditions.
In a handwritten note issued from the hospital on Monday, Wangchuk said his fast would end only if the government took responsibility for alleged paper leaks and other failures in the education system or if MPs and leaders of various political parties assured him that they would raise the issue in Parliament.
