Police in New Delhi on Monday fired tear gas shells and used baton charges to disperse thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters marching towards Parliament during their “Sansad Chalo” protest. The demonstration was called to highlight exam irregularities and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar and attempted to march towards Parliament, breaking through multiple barricades. As they advanced, Delhi Police resorted to tear gas and lathi charges, leading to chaos and injuries among both demonstrators and security personnel. Several protesters were detained, and internet services in central Delhi were suspended as a precautionary measure.
The CJP, a youth-led movement born out of anger over repeated exam paper leaks, claimed more than 10,000 supporters joined the march, making it one of the largest student protests in recent years. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, already on hunger strike, extended his fast in solidarity after the crackdown, adding moral weight to the agitation.
Inside Parliament, opposition MPs raised the issue, accusing the government of silencing legitimate student concerns. Rahul Gandhi and other leaders condemned the police action, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “youth-hostile.” The CJP accused authorities of turning Delhi into a “war zone” and vowed to continue peaceful protests despite restrictions.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda met CJP representatives later in the day, promising internal discussions, but protesters insisted their core demand—the resignation of the Education Minister—remained ignored. The incident has sharpened the political spotlight on exam reforms and youth discontent during the Monsoon Session.
