Delhi police and the Rapid Action Force placed Jantar Mantar under high alert Monday as the Cockroach Janata Party launched its ‘Sansad Chalo’ march [1].
The mobilization signals a sharp escalation in tensions between the government and CJP leaders over a set of specific political demands. The unrest has disrupted the capital's transit and security infrastructure during a period of high political volatility.
Security forces deployed barricades and used tear gas and lathi-charges to disperse protesters at Jantar Mantar [2]. The crackdown occurred as the party attempted to move toward the Parliament House. To maintain the security cordon, authorities closed five Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat [1].
The CJP, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, raised three demands with government representative Nadda during the proceedings [3]. The march also served as a protest against the hospitalization of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for over 20 days [3].
Reports on the legality of the event vary. The Hindu said police denied permission for the march, which led to the clashes [1]. However, other reports indicated the march proceeded to the point where the Prime Minister left Parliament as the protesters closed in [3].
Rapid Action Force personnel and Delhi Police remained stationed throughout the central Delhi area to prevent further breaches of the security perimeter [2].
“Delhi police and the Rapid Action Force placed Jantar Mantar under high alert”
The clash at Jantar Mantar reflects a deepening divide between the CJP and the current administration. By linking their three-point agenda to the deteriorating health of Sonam Wangchuk, the party is leveraging a high-profile humanitarian crisis to amplify its political demands. The closure of major transit hubs and the deployment of the Rapid Action Force suggest the government views the 'Sansad Chalo' movement as a significant security threat rather than a routine protest.
