Protest at Jantar Mantar Continues; Internet Shutdown and Metro Closures as Party Demands Minister's Resignation
A protest by a political party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi entered its second day on Thursday, with demonstrators resolute in their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the paper leak issue. The party, known as CJP, has been staging a sit-in since Wednesday, with fresh groups of protesters joining from across the country.
The protest comes amid a gridlock in Parliament over the same matter. The government has signalled willingness to discuss the issue in Parliament, but the opposition remains firm on the demand for the minister’s resignation. A scheduled meeting between the CJP delegation and the government on Wednesday could not take place after the delegation disagreed with the Centre’s proposal to hold it at the residence of a senior minister. According to the health minister, no meeting occurred, but the delegation submitted their demands in writing.
On Wednesday, the party alleged that internet services were shut down near the protest site. Additionally, 16 metro stations in the vicinity remained closed for security reasons. Volunteers were seen directing protesters to seating areas and distributing water and food packets.
Separately, activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The government reached out to him on Tuesday, with two union ministers holding a meeting. On Wednesday, Wangchuk submitted a list of demands to end his strike and the CJP protest, including compensation for families of students who died by suicide, a meaningful parliamentary discussion, and consideration of the Education Minister’s resignation.
The protest began after a violent crackdown on the 'Chalo Sansad' march three days earlier. Despite the police action, participants have remained peaceful and determined.
