Delhi police used tear-gas shells and baton charges to disperse a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday [1], [2].
The clash occurred on the opening day of the Parliament's Monsoon Session, signaling a volatile start to the legislative period as activists targeted the central government over national education standards.
Thousands of CJP supporters [3] gathered for the “Chalo Sansad” protest, which intended to march toward Parliament House. The activists were protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET entrance exam and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [1], [5].
Police deployed around 8,000 officers to the area to prevent the march [2]. During the confrontation, authorities carried out a lathicharge, a baton charge, to clear the site. Reports on the use of chemical agents vary; IndiaTV News reported the use of tear-gas shells, while the Financial Express noted that police denied using tear gas and said they only used baton charges [1], [4].
"We have taken all necessary steps, including tear-gas and baton charge, to maintain law and order," said a senior Delhi police official [2].
BJP President JP Nadda called for the protesters to leave the area. "I request the activists to end the protest and vacate Jantar Mantar immediately," Nadda said [4].
Confusion persisted regarding the status of party leadership following the crackdown. While some reports indicated several leaders were taken into custody, a CJP spokesperson denied that founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained [2], [6].
"Abhijeet Dipke has not been arrested; we are here peacefully and will continue until our demands are met," said the CJP spokesperson [6].
Leaders Sonam Wangchuk and Abhijeet Dipke were among those present during the unrest [1], [3].
“"We have taken all necessary steps, including tear-gas and baton charge, to maintain law and order,"”
The clash highlights the growing tension between student-led advocacy groups and the Indian government over the integrity of national competitive exams. By timing the protest to coincide with the opening of the Monsoon Session, the CJP aimed to maximize visibility and pressure on the Education Ministry, while the heavy police deployment reflects the state's priority on maintaining security in the capital's power hub.
