Clashes erupt in Delhi during Cockroach Janata Party's 'Sansad Chalo' march; Centre opens dialogue with protest leaders
Tear gas, lathi-charge reported near Parliament as protesters press for Education Minister's resignation over NEET row; JP Nadda meets CJP delegation.
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, July 20, 2026: High drama unfolded in the national capital on Monday as the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) "Sansad Chalo" march turned confrontational near Parliament, prompting police action, while the Centre simultaneously initiated talks with the protest leadership over their demands linked to the NEET paper leak controversy.
The protest coincided with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, drawing thousands of students, youth activists and supporters to central Delhi. Security was significantly tightened around Parliament, with multiple barricades, heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel, and restrictions on movement in the high-security zone.
As protesters attempted to march towards Parliament from Jantar Mantar, clashes broke out near Parliament Street and Raisina Road after some groups tried to breach police barricades. Security personnel resorted to a mild lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
A police official claimed that stones were thrown at security personnel during the confrontation.
"We were standing near the barricades when protesters pelted stones," a Delhi Police Sub-Inspector said.
Amid the escalating situation, the Union Government reached out to the CJP leadership for discussions. A delegation comprising CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das and party leader Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at his residence and submitted a written memorandum after a four-hour meeting.
According to CJP leaders, the memorandum sought the immediate resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue, the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital custody, and compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy.
Following the meeting, Nadda said the delegation had presented its concerns in detail and submitted a written petition.
"I have requested all the protesters to end their sit-in and cooperate with the administration in restoring normalcy," the Union Minister said.
Saurav Das described the meeting as constructive but said the government had not made any firm commitment.
"The Minister assured us that our demands would be discussed at the appropriate level. However, the peaceful protest will continue until meaningful action is taken," he said.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held a nearly four-hour meeting with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to review the evolving situation.
Earlier in the day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after receiving an appeal from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital following a prolonged fast.
In a written message, Wangchuk urged Dipke to conserve his strength and continue leading the movement. Wangchuk also requested hospital authorities to allow him temporary discharge so that he could participate in the march to Parliament, stating that his health parameters were stable.
As misinformation spread on social media during the protests, Delhi Police issued two public clarifications. The police dismissed claims that Dipke had been detained, stating that he remained present at the protest venue. Authorities also denied reports alleging that a 12-year-old girl had been assaulted and that dozens of protesters had suffered serious head injuries, urging the public not to circulate unverified information.
The police action drew sharp criticism from Opposition parties. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the use of force against student protesters, describing it as an attack on democratic values and questioning the government's handling of the situation.
Despite the talks between the government and protest leaders, demonstrators indicated that their agitation would continue until their key demands are addressed. The heavy security deployment remained in place across central Delhi as authorities monitored the situation closely.