CJP Protest Enters Second Day as Political Row Deepens Over Delhi Police Action
Fresh demonstrations continue at Jantar Mantar while opposition leaders, the government and protesters trade allegations over Monday's violent clashes.
New Delhi: The protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) entered its second day on Tuesday, with demonstrators gathering again at Jantar Mantar after Monday's violent "Chalo Parliament" march that resulted in clashes with Delhi Police. The agitation, which began over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has now turned into a major political flashpoint.
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke announced that the protest would continue until their demands are addressed, stating that the group would not leave the demonstration site. Protesters returned to Jantar Mantar after police allegedly dismantled the stage set up for the agitation.
Delhi Police said more than 118 police personnel and around 60 protesters were injured during Monday's violence. Authorities claimed protesters resorted to stone-pelting and vandalism, damaging several government vehicles. Around 70 people were detained, and FIRs have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The political confrontation intensified on Tuesday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the police action, asking why tear gas and lathi charges were used against students, and demanded that the government explain the discussions held with protesters in Parliament.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended support to the injured protesters, promising legal and medical assistance through a dedicated helpline. BJP president J.P. Nadda, after meeting CJP representatives, briefly remarked that "dialogue is always good."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the BJP parliamentary party meeting, defended the government's handling of the NEET paper leak issue. He said swift action had been taken against those responsible and reiterated that the guilty would not be spared.
The protest has also reached the judiciary. Advocate Narendra Mishra submitted a petition to the Chief Justice of India, seeking a judicial inquiry into the alleged police excesses and requesting action against the officials involved.
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut defended the police response, saying parliamentarians inside Parliament feared the crowd could storm the premises and praised Delhi Police for maintaining security.
Singer Diljit Dosanjh voiced support for the students, urging authorities to listen to their concerns and resolve the issue peacefully.
Meanwhile, social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains on an indefinite hunger strike, continues to be under close medical observation. Doctors said his vital parameters are stable, but concerns remain over low blood sugar, dehydration, anaemia and electrolyte imbalance, while he continues to refuse intravenous treatment.
Delhi Police has also issued a fresh traffic advisory and written to the police chiefs of five neighbouring states, urging them to prevent large groups from travelling to Delhi amid heightened security during the ongoing Parliament session.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, News Setu makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.