Delhi police used baton charges and tear-gas shells on Monday to disperse thousands [1] of protesters at Jantar Mantar.
The clash occurred during the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, marking a significant escalation in public anger over medical education standards. The protesters, marching under the ‘Sansad Chalo’ banner, are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) gathered near the Parliament House and the Constitution Club to voice their grievances. The situation turned volatile as police moved in to prevent the march from advancing, employing lathis and tear gas to clear the area [2, 3].
Authorities said 10 to 15 protesters were detained during the operation [1]. The police action took place amid a high-security alert in the capital, as the government sought to maintain order during the legislative opening.
The CJP-led movement has centered its demands on government accountability regarding the NEET exam process. The party said that the irregularities within the entrance exam necessitate a change in leadership at the education ministry to ensure a fair process for students.
While the police managed to clear the immediate vicinity of the Parliament, the tension remains high in the Jantar Mantar area. The ‘Sansad Chalo’ movement continues to call for systemic reforms in how medical entrance examinations are conducted, and monitored [4, 5].
“Delhi police used baton charges and tear-gas shells on Monday to disperse thousands of protesters.”
The timing of the 'Sansad Chalo' march to coincide with the opening of the Monsoon Session indicates a strategic effort by the Cockroach Janata Party to maximize visibility and pressure the central government. By targeting the Union Education Minister, the movement is attempting to transform a technical grievance regarding exam irregularities into a broader political demand for ministerial accountability.
