The police action against the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters marching towards Parliament has triggered a sharp political backlash, with opposition leaders accusing the Centre of suppressing democratic dissent. Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal described the crackdown in a strongly worded statement, calling it "Unacceptable. Undemocratic. Fascist. Criminal." He alleged that the Delhi Police's assault on peaceful protesters reflected the government's refusal to listen to the concerns of the country's youth.
The "Sansad Chalo" march, organised by the CJP, sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and demanded reforms in the education system. Thousands of students and supporters gathered in central Delhi before attempting to march towards Parliament. Police had erected multiple barricades and imposed restrictions around the Parliament complex.
As protesters advanced, clashes broke out between demonstrators and security personnel. Delhi Police used tear gas, baton charges and barricades to disperse the crowd, while authorities alleged that protesters breached security barriers and turned violent. Police said 118 personnel and around 60 protesters were injured, and about 70 people were detained during the operation.
The CJP, however, rejected the police version, claiming the march had begun peacefully and that excessive force was used against students. The organisation alleged that several protesters suffered serious injuries and accused the authorities of attempting to silence a democratic movement demanding accountability for alleged examination paper leaks.
Several opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, also criticised the police action, accusing the government of using force instead of engaging in dialogue with students. Human rights organisation Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into allegations of excessive force, stating that authorities should facilitate peaceful protests rather than suppress them.
Despite the violence and subsequent talks between Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and CJP representatives, the organisation has made it clear that its agitation will continue until its key demands, including the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, are addressed.
