Lathi charge, internet cut: How CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' March brought Delhi to a standstill

Delhi’s central district came to a virtual standstill on Monday as thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a mass protest demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The demonstration, dubbed “Chalo Sansad” by the party, led to widespread disruptions, including road closures, internet blackouts, and clashes between protesters and police. The movement, which had been gaining momentum over weeks, culminated in a dramatic confrontation that forced authorities to deploy extensive security measures. The protest began with a large gathering near Jantar Mantar, where CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who had been on a hunger strike, led the march toward Parliament. At around 11:25 am, tensions escalated as protesters attempted to break through police barricades surrounding the protest zone. In response, law enforcement used batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in minor injuries among both protesters and officers. Approximately 10 to 15 individuals were arrested during the incident. The police presence was overwhelming, with thousands of Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces stationed throughout the city to manage the situation. As the march progressed, the impact on daily life became increasingly evident. By 12:30 pm, central Delhi was effectively gridlocked, with major roads such as Sansad Marg, Janpath, Tolstoy Road, Jantar Mantar Road, and Jai Singh Marg reported as closed. Google Maps reflected the chaos, highlighting severe traffic congestion and alternative routes. Commuters faced unprecedented delays, with some reporting travel times more than double the usual. The disruption extended beyond roads, local transport services were severely affected, with autorickshaw drivers refusing to operate near the protest site or charging significantly higher fares. Some passengers paid nearly three times the standard rate due to the combination of road blockages and internet-related payment issues. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also played a role in the disruption, closing five stations ahead of the protest to ensure public safety. This decision left hundreds of commuters stranded, forcing them to take longer detours or alternate modes of transportation. The closure of key transit points added to the overall sense of disorder, underscoring the scale of the protest’s impact on urban mobility. Amid the turmoil, signs of potential dialogue emerged. According to CJP officials, the government initiated contact for the first time since the agitation began. Spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka stated that they were set to meet Union minister and former BJP leader JP Nadda, marking what the party described as the first formal outreach by the administration. This development suggested a possible shift in the standoff, though the exact nature of discussions remained unclear. Abhijeet Dipke, who had been fasting for several days, concluded his hunger strike following persuasion from the father of a NEET student who had taken his own life. The father, identified as the parent of Riya Thapa, reportedly convinced Dipke to end his fast so that he could lead the march to Parliament. The CJP issued a statement on social media confirming this development, emphasizing the personal connection driving the movement. The protests, rooted in allegations of unfairness in the NEET exam, have drawn attention to broader concerns about educational policy and student welfare. While the immediate outcome of the demonstrations remains uncertain, the event highlighted the growing influence of grassroots movements in shaping political discourse. As the dust settles, the focus will likely shift to whether the government’s engagement with the CJP represents a genuine effort to address grievances or merely a tactical move to de-escalate the crisis. For now, the city continues to recover from the logistical and emotional toll of the day.