Najnovije vijesti: Prosvjednici lathi-optuženi uoči marš na Parlament, CJP kaže u razgovorima s Centrom

Women from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a protest in Delhi on Monday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged mismanagement of competitive exams. The demonstration, which began at Jantar Mantar, was intended to culminate in a march to Parliament during the Monsoon Session. However, the Delhi Police denied the group permission to hold the protest and issued a ban on large gatherings. Despite these restrictions, hundreds of supporters gathered, leading to clashes with security forces. The protest, described by participants as a continuation of earlier demonstrations, saw the Rapid Action Police Force (RPF) lathi-charging demonstrators near the protest site. Videos shared by ANI showed the confrontation, though the Delhi Police later clarified that there was no “sporadic use of violence” and that the protest was being managed professionally. The campaign, led by spokesperson Saurav Das, emphasized its commitment to continuing the movement, stating, “The youth has gathered in huge numbers. We shall win!” The CJP’s demands include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom activists accuse of failing to address systemic issues in educational administration. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been fasting in protest, outlined specific conditions for ending his hunger strike. He requires assurances from political leaders that his concerns regarding education accountability will be addressed during the parliamentary session. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, noted that Wangchuk would end his fast if political figures met him at the hospital and committed to raising the issue in Parliament. Wangchuk also insisted that if his health or other factors prevent him from joining the march, representatives from political parties must visit him at Safdarjung Hospital, where he claims his rights to free speech, movement, and communication are being restricted. The CJP has reportedly demanded that Wangchuk be released from the hospital to participate in the march, although his wife will join the procession even if he is unable to attend. Political leaders from multiple parties, including the Aam Aadhi Party’s Atishi, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, as well as Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram’s Chandrashekhar Azad and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, arrived at the protest site. Their presence underscored the significance of the demonstration, which drew attention beyond the immediate concerns of the CJP. The gathering also prompted the closure of several Delhi Metro stations, including Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth, due to heightened security measures. These stations lie along the planned route of the protest march. The CJP claimed that some protesters received messages indicating that the internet had been shut down in the area, which they disputed. They argued that such information was misleading and that the protest proceeded under normal conditions. Meanwhile, the police reiterated that no permission had been granted for the march and that public gatherings were prohibited in the New Delhi district. This legal framework created tension between the organizers and authorities, with the CJP insisting that its actions were lawful and peaceful. As the protest unfolded, the situation remained volatile, with ongoing clashes between protesters and security personnel. The outcome of the standoff remains uncertain, but the CJP has vowed to continue its efforts, drawing parallels to the resilience of cockroaches. The movement reflects broader frustrations with governance and calls for greater transparency and accountability in administrative processes. The next steps for both the protesters and the authorities remain unclear, but the event marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around civic engagement and institutional reform.