Students protesting against alleged irregularities in major examinations, including question paper leaks and technical glitches, clashed with police in Delhi on Monday as they attempted to march towards Parliament. The demonstration drew sharp political reactions, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticising the police action and accusing the Centre of suppressing peaceful protests.

Rahul Gandhi criticises police action

Reacting to the incident, Rahul Gandhi said the protesting students were demanding their rights and described the use of tear gas and baton charges as unacceptable.

In a video message, he said there was “absolutely nothing wrong” with the students’ protest and alleged that the government’s response was undemocratic. Gandhi also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “most anti-youth prime minister” while sharing a video that purportedly showed the police action against demonstrators.

According to Gandhi, young people have the right to an education system that is fair, functional and respectful towards students. He added that India, with a large youth population, should listen to their concerns rather than suppress their voices.

Protest linked to exam issues and CJP campaign

The protest was organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which has gained significant attention on social media over issues related to the education system and unemployment.

The demonstration came shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 21-day hunger strike ended when he was taken to a hospital on Saturday.

CJP alleged on social media that police used tear gas against peaceful protesters and questioned the need for such action.

Police said permission had not been granted for the march, while internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi during the protest.

Government holds talks with protesters

Rahul Gandhi also urged the Prime Minister to address the protesters’ demands, saying concerns over the education system were legitimate and should be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, CJP said two of its representatives met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum outlining their demands after the government initiated contact for discussions.

Confirming the meeting, JP Nadda said the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. He stated that the proposal for dialogue came from the protesters and that discussions had been underway since late morning.

According to the minister, the delegation submitted a written petition in the afternoon, following which he appealed to the protesters to end their sit-in and cooperate with authorities in restoring normalcy.

Several political leaders, actors and civil society members joined supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Monday as the organisation launched its Chalo Sansad march, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related irregularities.

Among those who attended the protest were Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, and Aam Aadmi Party leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Gopal Rai. Their participation drew significant public attention to the demonstration, which coincided with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The CJP had called on supporters from across the country to assemble at Jantar Mantar before marching towards Parliament to press for action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demand greater accountability in the education system. Protest organisers said the agitation was intended to highlight concerns raised by students and aspirants affected by the controversy.

Ahead of the march, Delhi Police stated that no permission had been sought or granted for a procession to Parliament. Security was tightened across central Delhi, with barricades, additional personnel and surveillance deployed around Jantar Mantar, Parliament House and other sensitive locations to maintain law and order.

As protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, police stopped the procession, leading to brief confrontations in some areas. Authorities later dispersed sections of the gathering and maintained a strong security presence throughout the day. The protest remained largely centred around Jantar Mantar as the situation continued to be closely monitored.

Delhi Police personnel on Monday lathicharged supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) from marching towards Parliament, which began its sitting for the Monsoon Session today, triggering mayhem and chaos.

The protest, Chalo Sansad, was organized by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to demand accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar despite the police refusing permission for the march. As demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament, security personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), stopped them using barricades. Then clashes broke out between protesters and police. Visuals from the protest showed police using batons to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Ahead of the protest, Abhijeet Dipke had appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and carry a rose and a copy of the Indian Constitution as symbols of non-violence. Despite this appeal, the march was not allowed because Delhi Police said no permission had been sought or granted. Authorities also imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the New Delhi district, prohibiting large gatherings due to the beginning of the Monsoon Session.

Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been now moved to Safdarjung Hospital, had been on a hungerstrike demanding accountability for alleged failures in the education system and examination paper leaks. Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital after his health deteriorated, the move has further intensified public support for the protest.

The police action caused traffic disruptions around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, and nearby areas, while security was significantly tightened across central Delhi. Additional police personnel, barricades, and surveillance teams were deployed to prevent protesters from entering the high-security Parliament zone.

Several Metro stations around the Jantar Mantar protest site and Parliament were shuttered. Delhi Police have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating prohibitory orders. Meanwhile, CJP leaders have said their movement will continue until their demands are addressed.