Delhi Tense as CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ Protest Erupts on First Day of India’s Monsoon Session

New Delhi turned tense on the first day of India’s Monsoon Session of Parliament as the “Chalo Sansad” programme organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) triggered clashes between protesters and police, detentions and allegations of a baton charge. Delhi Police, however, denied using batons.

The CJP began marching towards Parliament on Monday without police permission. Protesters alleged that police used batons, water cannons and tear gas shells to stop the march. They also claimed that mobile network services were temporarily restricted in some parts of Delhi.

Security measures had been intensified across the capital from the previous day in anticipation of possible law-and-order problems. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was imposed in the New Delhi area, banning all forms of gatherings.

Delhi Police said the CJP had not sought permission for the march to Parliament and that permission would not have been granted even if requested. They said gatherings were permitted only at Jantar Mantar and urged people through social media not to participate in unauthorised gatherings or marches.

For security reasons, the Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations were temporarily closed. Around 5,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed, while New Delhi was divided into 15 security zones.

Despite the heightened security, the CJP began marching towards Parliament with thousands of supporters. In the absence of activist Sonam Wangchuk, his wife Geetanjali Angmo participated in the programme.

When protesters allegedly attempted to break through barricades and move forward, police dispersed them. Tensions were reported in several parts of the capital.

Police detained several CJP leaders and supporters, including party spokesperson Saurav Das. Later, Das claimed that discussions had taken place with government representatives.

He said the government had not yet communicated any clear decision, but talks were continuing and that the next step would depend on the government.

It was later reported that CJP representatives Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das held a meeting with Union Minister J.P. Nadda. The party’s main demand is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET question paper leak. The CJP said the issue was discussed during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police completely denied allegations of a baton charge in a statement posted on X. The police claimed that no baton charge or use of force took place at Jantar Mantar. They said the situation was handled professionally and urged people not to pay heed to rumours.

The CJP has been campaigning for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET question paper leak.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28. On the 21st day of his fast, police took him to a hospital. From the hospital, he placed three conditions before the government and said he was willing to withdraw his hunger strike if at least one of them was implemented.