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.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday claimed its founder Abhijeet Dipke had been detained by Delhi Police on the march to Parliament, only to drop the claim within an hour.

Dipke and a motley bunch of people, including several senior leaders of some political parties, were on their march to Parliament at the head of a 20,000-strong crowd.  

Thousands of supporters had gathered at Jantar Mantar before the march began to press their demands over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and seek greater accountability in the education system. As the procession moved towards Parliament, police stopped the protesters at multiple barricades, stating that no permission had been granted for the march and that security restrictions were in place in the high-security zone. In between, there were some instances of lathicharge and some reports said tear gas canisters were fired at the crowd.

Some police officials claimed Dipke was taken into preventive custody after protesters attempted to move beyond the designated area. Several other demonstrators were also detained as police dispersed sections of the gathering to prevent them from reaching Parliament. Authorities said the situation remained under control and that appropriate legal action would be taken wherever necessary.

During the protest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from the Parliament complex as per his scheduled engagements while security agencies maintained heightened vigil across central Delhi. Officials did not indicate any disruption to the Prime Minister’s movement but said security arrangements had been strengthened in view of both the Monsoon Session and the proposed march.

Protest organisers criticised the police action, alleging that participants were prevented from carrying out a peaceful demonstration. They reiterated that the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed.

Security remained tight throughout the day, with additional police personnel, barricades and traffic restrictions in place around Parliament House and adjoining areas. The march was eventually halted before reaching Parliament, and the situation remained tense but peaceful under close police supervision.

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.