Tear gas, lathicharge used to stop Parliament march; Nadda meets party leaders as Wangchuk extends hunger strike
Security forces on Monday used tear gas and lathicharge to disperse thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) attempting to march towards Parliament during the party’s “Sansad Chalo” protest, while the Centre simultaneously initiated talks with the movement’s leaders amid the escalating demonstrations.
Thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms to the examination system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Delhi Police had denied permission for the march and imposed restrictions on large gatherings beyond the designated protest site.
Police intervened after protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, using tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Several protesters and police personnel reportedly sustained minor injuries during the clashes, while a number of demonstrators were detained. Mobile internet services were also suspended in parts of central Delhi as a precautionary measure.
Amid the confrontation, the Centre reached out to the CJP for talks. A delegation comprising party leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das later met Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
Speaking after the meeting, Ranka said the delegation reiterated three demands: the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk and permission for him to address supporters through a video message, the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak.
According to Ranka, Nadda assured the delegation that the demands would be placed before the senior leadership and that the government’s response would be communicated after consultations.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike, saying the police action against protesters had strengthened his resolve. He said he would continue the fast until youth representatives are allowed to meet Members of Parliament or he is permitted to do so from the hospital.
The CJP appealed to its supporters to remain peaceful despite the police action, urging demonstrators to maintain calm while continuing the movement.
