Police and CJP Protesters Clash During 'Chalo Sansad' March in Delhi
Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Delhi Police clashed on Monday during the party's planned 'Chalo Sansad' march, which coincided with the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Police resorted to a lathi-charge after the protesters began marching without permission, demanding action on alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance exam and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Delhi Police had denied permission for the march on Sunday and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, banning large gatherings in the area. In a post on X, the police stated: '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.'
Despite the ban, CJP supporters assembled and began marching, leading to the clash. The party, in a statement, urged 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.'
As a precautionary measure, five Delhi Metro stations — Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth — were closed until further instructions.
The CJP was launched in May as a satirical digital outfit by Abhijeet Dipke, following a controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remarks referring to 'parasites' and 'cockroaches'. The party quickly gained millions of followers online and drew support from opposition politicians, activists, artists and sportspersons. Dipke, 30, returned to India from the US in June to lead the protests. He was later joined by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28. Wangchuk was taken to hospital by police on July 13 due to health concerns.
The CJP protests have focused on demands for reforms in the education sector following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations.
