New Delhi : Tensions remained high in the national capital on Monday as the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ march prompted police response amid heavy security during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Protesters were allegedly baton-charged and several were detained near Parliament Street as police moved to stop the march towards the Parliament complex.
With prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in force across New Delhi, Delhi Police denied permission for the march, deployed additional personnel around Parliament House and key intersections, and used force to prevent protesters from advancing towards the Parliament complex. Even as police rejected allegations of excessive force, CJP leaders maintained they were open to talks with the government, saying they were still awaiting a formal response.
As the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest against the Centre intensified, founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his indefinite hunger strike at the request of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital after a 21-day fast. Meanwhile, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka left to meet Union Health Minister J P Nadda after the government reached out for talks.
During the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Monday, Leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge raised the alleged NEET paper leak issue and claimed that a lathi-charge had taken place at the student protest at Jantar Mantar. Kharge said, “This is a matter concerning students; I am speaking about the futures of lakhs of children. Thousands of students have gathered at Jantar Mantar for this cause. A lathi-charge has taken place there. The government is trying to use force, suppress voices, and drive them away.”
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Atishi, arrived at Jantar Mantar to participate in the Parliament march. Earlier Manish Sisodia had appealed to people across political affiliations to join the proposed march to Parliament, urging citizens to stand in solidarity with the country’s youth. CJP activists said they are open to holding talks with the government, while maintaining that they are awaiting clarity from the authorities on the proposed dialogue.
Delhi Police used mild force on Monday to disperse CJP protesters attempting to march towards Parliament House from Jantar Mantar. Security personnel intervened as hundreds of demonstrators moved ahead, causing traffic disruptions. Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed to maintain order and manage the situation during the Parliament session. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) earlier on Monday closed Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations until further notice due to security concerns.
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