Thousands Gather at Jantar Mantar Ahead of CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ March; Delhi Police Deny Permission
Massive crowds assemble in support of education reforms and Sonam Wangchuk as police impose restrictions ahead of the proposed Parliament march.
Thousands of people gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Sunday ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s planned “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in the 2026 NEET examination.
The protest site and surrounding streets witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with supporters from different parts of the country arriving to express solidarity with the movement. The gathering comes a day after activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was shifted by Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital due to concerns over his deteriorating health during his prolonged hunger strike.
Amid growing tensions, Delhi Police clarified that no permission had been sought or granted for any march or procession towards Parliament on July 20. Authorities stated that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force in New Delhi, banning the assembly of five or more persons outside designated protest areas.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, addressed protesters at Jantar Mantar and conveyed Wangchuk’s message. She stated that the activist would consider ending his indefinite fast if political leaders assured him that issues relating to education accountability and examination reforms would be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning on Monday.
She also urged supporters to maintain peace, discipline, and non-violence during the proposed march and related demonstrations.As crowds continued to swell throughout the day, CJP leaders expressed concerns that authorities might attempt to prevent or disperse the protest. Additional police personnel were deployed in and around central Delhi, with security arrangements significantly tightened ahead of the proposed march.
The ongoing agitation has emerged as one of the largest youth-led movements in recent years, drawing nationwide attention to concerns over transparency, accountability, and reforms in India’s examination system.