Large Gathering at Jantar Mantar Ahead of Planned March to Parliament
Thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday, ahead of a planned march to Parliament by the CJP (a political party). The march demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Delhi Police have issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning assemblies of five or more people except at the designated protest site with prior permission.
The gathering, which spilled onto surrounding streets, follows the arrest and hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was taken into custody on Saturday. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, stated that his fast would end only if political leaders met him and assured that education and accountability become the main issues of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on Monday.
The CJP has planned a 1.5-kilometre march from Jantar Mantar to the new Parliament building, starting at 9 a.m. on Monday. However, no permission has been granted for this march, raising the possibility of a confrontation with security forces. Heavy security arrangements, including personnel with riot guns, have been deployed in the capital.
Support marches took place in several cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Guwahati. In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray led a rally. The All Assam Students' Union organised a candlelight protest in Guwahati. In Uttar Pradesh, a resident doctor was suspended for allegedly leading a march in support of Wangchuk, and an inquiry has been ordered.
Over a dozen students continued hunger strikes over alleged examination irregularities. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke completed two days of fasting that began after Wangchuk's transfer. Protesters formed a human chain to prevent fasting members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) from being taken to hospital.
Several opposition leaders and celebrities visited Jantar Mantar on Sunday to express support. These included former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad, and leader Mahua Moitra. Actors Prakash Raj, Shabana Azmi, and Swara Bhasker also attended.
