Thousands Gather at Jantar Mantar Ahead of ‘Chalo Sansad’ Protest
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Tension escalated in the national capital on Sunday ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, with thousands of supporters assembling at Jantar Mantar despite the Delhi Police refusing permission for the demonstration. Security has been significantly tightened across central Delhi ahead of Monday’s opening of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The CJP, which has been leading protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in national entrance examinations, has called for a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20. Party founder Abhijeet Dipke urged supporters to maintain a peaceful overnight vigil and participate in large numbers while adhering to non-violent discipline. Protest organisers have also advised participants to carry only the national flag and avoid displaying political party flags.
Delhi Police, however, reiterated that the proposed march has not been granted permission and warned that any attempt to proceed towards Parliament would invite legal action. Senior officials said elaborate security arrangements, including additional barricades, intensified vehicle checks and deployment of extra personnel, have been put in place in the high-security New Delhi district to prevent any breach of law and order during the Monsoon Session.
According to police, the organisers neither sought nor obtained permission for the march. Officials also maintained that the original permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar was limited and alleged that the ongoing sit-in has continued without fresh authorisation. Authorities warned that participants attempting to move towards Parliament could be detained if they violate security restrictions.
Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement, remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital under medical supervision after his health deteriorated during the fast. The Delhi High Court on Saturday declined a plea by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, seeking his transfer to a private hospital, while directing authorities to continue monitoring his health and submit a status report before the next hearing scheduled for July 24.
Following the court’s order, Gitanjali Angmo announced that she would lead the Chalo Sansad’ march in Wangchuk’s absence. She said the movement would continue peacefully and that she would represent her husband until he is able to rejoin the protest.
In a message released from the hospital, Wangchuk appealed to citizens to make the July 20 march a success, describing it as India’s “second freedom movement.” He urged supporters to remain peaceful and continue pressing for accountability in the country’s examination system.
The protest has emerged as one of the most closely watched demonstrations in the capital, drawing support from students, education activists and opposition leaders. With Parliament set to convene on Monday and police maintaining that no unauthorised march will be allowed, a confrontation between protesters and security forces appears likely if demonstrators attempt to proceed towards the Parliament complex.
Heavy police deployment near Parliament Street ahead of gathering
CJP July 20 Parliament march LIVE: Police personnel carrying lathis have been deployed near the SBI building on Parliament Street, while several police and private buses are stationed on both sides of the road.