CJP Protest Enters Second Day: Centre Continues Talks, Delhi Court Hears Plea on Police Action

Sonam Wangchuk Protest Enters Day 2; Centre-CJP Talks Continue as Police Action Comes Under Court Scrutiny

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest continued for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, with demonstrators remaining at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar even as the Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea challenging the alleged use of excessive force by Delhi Police during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.

The petition, which was mentioned for urgent listing before the High Court, seeks judicial intervention over the police action against protesters.

Security around Parliament has also been stepped up, with additional barricades and police deployment amid the possibility of fresh demonstrations.

Despite heavy rain and Monday’s police crackdown, protesters stayed at the protest site overnight. Volunteers were seen cleaning the area on Tuesday morning, while the main stage remained intact after tents and other temporary structures were removed during the police eviction drive. The canopy over the stage, however, was damaged.

Addressing supporters, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke apologised to those injured during Monday’s clashes and said the movement remained committed to a peaceful protest. Several demonstrators alleged that police personnel assaulted protesters, including women, and claimed some officers were not wearing visible name tags. They also alleged that protesters were referred to as “terrorists” during the confrontation.

Dipke dismissed speculation on social media that senior CJP leaders had left the protest. He clarified that party spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were holding discussions with Union Minister JP Nadda as part of efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing standoff with the Centre.

The agitation continues to focus on education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike has entered its 24th day, according to CJP leaders. Wangchuk has been fasting from Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital since being shifted there by police on July 18.

The protest, which began on June 20, is centred on demands for accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms to the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Monday’s march towards Parliament ended in clashes between protesters and Delhi Police, with both sides blaming each other for the violence. Even as dialogue between CJP representatives and the Centre continues, protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.