Lathicharge By Cops, Chaos Ahead Of CJP's March To Parliament; mobile internet services have been temporarily restricted in Delhi

The national capital witnessed heightened security on Monday as the 'Chalo Sansad' march, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The protest comes even as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted there by Delhi Police following a deterioration in his health during his indefinite hunger strike.

With Wangchuk unable to participate, his wife Gitanjali Angmo took charge of the march, saying she would represent him and continue the campaign. She said the movement would remain peaceful and focused on demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and broader education reforms.

Thousands of supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar after an overnight vigil called by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. Ahead of the march, CJP urged participants to carry only the national flag, avoid political party flags, and maintain peace and discipline throughout the demonstration.

As per reports, Mobile internet services have been temporarily restricted and network jammers have been deployed in parts of Central Delhi, including the Jantar Mantar area, due to ongoing protests and security buildups. Local authorities have also shut down nearby metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk and Janpath, amid these demonstrations.

The police used sticks and batons to disperse the CJP supporters, mostly youngsters, who had converged at the Jantar Mantar protest site to begin the march to Parliament against alleged irregularities in NEET -- the national entrance test for medical colleges -- and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

Mobile internet was also shut in parts of Central Delhi.

The protest has intensified since Wangchuk was removed from the protest site on July 18. Delhi Police said he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on medical advice after his condition worsened, while CJP alleged he was taken away against his wishes and accused authorities of attempting to suppress the movement.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk has said he is willing to end his hunger strike if political leaders assure him that the issues he has raised, including accountability in the education system, will be discussed in Parliament during the Monsoon Session. He has also alleged restrictions on his movement and communication while under medical care.

The agitation has also received support from several public figures. Actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj joined the protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, a day before the proposed Parliament march. Videos of the actors expressing solidarity with the demonstrators surfaced on social media.

Shabana Azmi met the protesters, interacted with those participating in the agitation, and addressed the gathering in support of Wangchuk and his hunger strike. In one widely shared video, she was seen sitting beside a protester on an indefinite fast, holding and kissing her hands before gently caressing her face in a gesture of solidarity.

Prakash Raj, who had visited the protest earlier as well, returned on Sunday to extend his support. Addressing the gathering, he said, "I am with you tonight. I am right here. We will see what happens."

Police say no permission was sought

Security has been significantly tightened around Jantar Mantar, Parliament and nearby areas, with additional police personnel deployed and traffic restrictions imposed ahead of the march.

Senior Delhi Police officers said the proposed march would not be allowed as it could disrupt law and order in one of the capital's most sensitive security zones. Officials said any large gathering moving towards Parliament could pose public safety concerns and severely affect traffic in central Delhi. They added that protesters could be detained if they attempted to breach security arrangements.

"CJP spokesperson Abhijeet Dipke has never informed us or applied for permission for the Sansad Chalo march. It's a completely illegal protest because they only had permission for one day. We even made them sign undertakings. Now, they have extended it without any permission. Also, for the march, we approached them, but they have not even applied for permission," the officer said.

According to police, the original permission granted to CJP was only for a one-day demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Officers claimed the protest was later extended without official clearance, making the ongoing sit-in unauthorised.

Despite the police's stand, CJP has maintained that it will continue its peaceful agitation. The protest has also drawn support from opposition leaders, who have demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged examination paper leak issue.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk continues to receive treatment at Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to closely monitor his health. Doctors have said he is weak and mildly dehydrated after days of fasting but remains stable.