Delhi Police clashed with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest march at Jantar Mantar [1, 2].
The confrontation highlights growing tension between student-led activists and the government over the integrity of national medical entrance exams. The unrest reflects a broader push for accountability within India's educational administration.
Protesters gathered to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing alleged irregularities in the NEET examination [1]. The group attempted to march toward Parliament as part of their 'Chalo Sansad' campaign, but they were met with resistance from law enforcement [2].
Authorities had previously denied permission for a large gathering at the site. A Delhi Police spokesperson said that police have denied permission for a large gathering at Jantar Mantar and have imposed a ban on assemblies [2].
Despite the ban, supporters of the CJP continued their demonstration. This led to a lathi-charge, where police used batons to disperse the crowd and prevent the march from proceeding [2]. The clash occurred after police attempted to block the path of the demonstrators.
Supporters of the CJP said that protesters demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET examination irregularities [1]. The group maintains that the current administration of the exams lacks transparency, and fairness.
Security forces remained deployed at Jantar Mantar to maintain order and prevent further assemblies following the clash [2].
“Police used a lathi-charge to disperse demonstrators.”
The escalation of protests at Jantar Mantar indicates a significant loss of trust in the National Testing Agency's ability to conduct fair examinations. By targeting the Union Education Minister specifically, the Cockroach Janta Party is attempting to shift the narrative from administrative error to political accountability, suggesting that the NEET irregularities are a systemic failure rather than a technical one.
