Security forces used lathis to disperse a CJP-organized protest march at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday [1].
The clash marks a significant escalation in public demonstrations in the capital, involving high-profile members of Parliament and multiple security agencies. The presence of lawmakers amidst the unrest underscores the political volatility surrounding the CJP's current mobilization efforts.
Chandrashekhar Azad, President of the Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram and an MP, participated in the protest alongside Mahua Moitra, an MP with the Trinamool Congress [1]. The two lawmakers joined a larger group of demonstrators who had gathered at the historic Jantar Mantar site on July 20, 2026 [1].
The situation deteriorated when the protest march led to a confrontation with Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel [1, 2]. The RPF, local police, and the Rapid Action Force intervened to break up the crowd, reports said [1, 2].
Security personnel utilized lathis, which are heavy bamboo sticks, to push back the protesters and clear the area [1, 2]. The deployment of the Rapid Action Force indicates that authorities viewed the gathering as a significant threat to public order in the district [1].
While the CJP organized the march, the specific grievances driving the protest were not detailed in the immediate reports of the clash [1]. The involvement of the RPF suggests a potential connection to railway-related issues or the specific location of the march, though the primary objective of the event remains unverified [1, 2].
“Security forces used lathis to disperse a CJP-organized protest march at Jantar Mantar.”
The use of force against a protest attended by sitting members of Parliament highlights the increasing tension between grassroots political movements and state security apparatuses in New Delhi. By deploying the Rapid Action Force and RPF, the government signaled a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized marches at Jantar Mantar, potentially setting a precedent for how future political demonstrations in the capital are managed.
