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Delhi's CJP protest escalates as police block march to Parliament
Thousands of supporters of the youth‑led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on 20 July 2026, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a series of competitive‑exam paper leaks. The protest, dubbed “Chalo Sansad”, aimed to march to Parliament during the Monsoon Session. Police imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barred gatherings of five or more, and deployed a three‑tier security grid around Parliament, Jantar Mantar, Central Vista and Connaught Place. When demonstrators attempted to break barricades, police used lathi‑charges, tear‑gas shells and mild force, injuring several protesters, including a 16‑year‑old student. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on a 21‑day hunger strike, was forcibly taken to Safdarjung Hospital; his removal prompted founder Abhijeet Dipke to end his own fast. CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Minister JP Nadda, and AAP leader Gopal Rai also voiced support. Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi during the protest.