Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a major protest in central Delhi on Monday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak issue. Thousands of protesters gathered under the party's "Sansad Chalo" campaign before attempting to march toward Parliament.

The protest intensified after police intervened to stop demonstrators from advancing beyond the designated protest area, leading to clashes between security personnel and protesters.

Police Use Tear Gas and Lathi Charge

Delhi Police used tear gas shells and conducted lathi charges after protesters attempted to breach security barricades near central Delhi. Several demonstrators were reportedly injured during the confrontation, while many others were detained and taken into custody.

Authorities also imposed an internet shutdown in the New Delhi district to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order during the protest.

Protesters Reclaim Jantar Mantar Site

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with party supporters, later returned to Jantar Mantar and reclaimed the protest site after police action. Protesters continued raising slogans and reiterated their demand for the resignation of the Education Minister, alleging irregularities in national examinations.

The party maintained that its protest would continue until the government addressed its demands.

Read more: Rahul Gandhi's Absence From CJP Protest Triggers Political Debate as Congress Faces Questions

CJP Leaders Meet Union Minister J.P. Nadda

Amid the demonstrations, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Minister J.P. Nadda to formally submit their demand seeking Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

The meeting came as the government monitored the situation following the large-scale protests and security deployment across the national capital.

Sonam Wangchuk Continues Hunger Strike

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike following the police action against protesters. He said he would not end his fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet Members of Parliament or he is permitted to do so from the hospital.

His statement added another dimension to the ongoing agitation surrounding education-related issues and public accountability.