Jantar Mantar erupts; chaos as police lathi charge CJP protesters

New Delhi: The Parliament march organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination turned into a major confrontation in the national capital, with police using force against protesters who attempted to move towards Parliament.

Thousands of students and young protesters who gathered at Jantar Mantar attempted to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. As the crowd moved beyond the permitted protest area, police resorted to a lathi charge and later used tear gas after protesters reached closer to Parliament. The situation at Jantar Mantar and Raisina Road escalated, turning the area into a scene of clashes between protesters and security personnel.

Several barricades were brought down during the confrontation. Protesters and police personnel suffered minor injuries amid the clashes. Additional security forces, including the Rapid Action Force, were deployed, while security was tightened around Parliament. Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of Central Delhi, and several metro stations were temporarily closed as a security measure.

The police action came after the CJP march drew a larger-than-expected crowd. According to security officials cited in reports, authorities had anticipated around 5,000 participants, but more than 12,000 people joined the march from Jantar Mantar. Over 10,000 protesters gathered near the protest site despite restrictions, with many arriving from different states.

CJP leaders detained; Parliament gates shut amid escalating protest

As the protest intensified, Delhi Police detained CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke along with Samajwadi Party Lok Sabha MP Dimple Yadav and other prominent leaders who arrived to express solidarity with the agitation.

Police also detained actor Prakash Raj during the protest, according to reports. The action against key figures came as protesters refused to withdraw despite repeated attempts to disperse them.

The march created security concerns around Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session. Following the protesters' movement towards Parliament, the gates of the building were closed. Police blocked routes leading to Parliament and imposed restrictions in the area.

The CJP has been continuing its protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, holding him responsible for alleged irregularities in NEET and CBSE examinations. The protest also gained support from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was shifted to a hospital by police earlier after his health condition deteriorated during a hunger strike. Wangchuk continued his protest even after being moved to the hospital.

Amid the mounting tension in Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held an urgent meeting with Dharmendra Pradhan at the Parliament complex. The details of the meeting were not officially disclosed. BJP president J.P. Nadda also held discussions with CJP leaders.

Shashi Tharoor attacks police action, calls for Parliament debate

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the police response to the CJP protest, questioning the use of force against demonstrators who, according to him, were conducting a peaceful protest.

Tharoor argued that Parliament should function as a platform where public concerns and national issues are debated rather than merely a place for passing government bills. He demanded discussions in Parliament on issues affecting citizens and accused the government of avoiding debates on major concerns.

He also criticised the government's approach towards opposition demands for discussions, stating that parliamentary functioning requires cooperation between the ruling side and the opposition. According to him, the opposition would cooperate with proceedings if the government allowed debates on issues raised by them.

The CJP has maintained that its agitation will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The protest was organised on the day the Monsoon Session of Parliament began, with students and young people continuing their presence at Jantar Mantar despite the police action. Meanwhile, opposition protests inside Parliament also disrupted proceedings, forcing both Houses to be adjourned until 2 pm.