Delhi protest over education reforms forces closure of five metro stations

Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 20 July 2026 to launch the “Chalo Sansad” march. Police denied permission for the protest, deployed large numbers of personnel, and heightened security around Parliament as the Monsoon Session began.

The demonstrators, calling themselves “cockroaches,” demand sweeping reforms of the education system, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and action over alleged examination paper leaks. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike at the site, was moved to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated.

As a precaution, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily closed five stations – Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth – until further notice.