New Delhi: Tension gripped central Delhi on Monday as police resorted to a baton-charge to stop thousands of protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Parliament March” from advancing towards Parliament House on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The action came after demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach multiple security barricades erected around the high-security zone, leading to clashes with security personnel.
Several protesters were reportedly injured during the police action, though the Delhi Police had not officially confirmed the number of injured till the filing of this report. Visuals from the protest site showed chaotic scenes as security personnel used lathis to disperse the crowd while protesters attempted to push through barricades near Sansad Marg.
Protest Coincides with Parliament’s Monsoon Session
The confrontation unfolded on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, when the CJP had mobilized students, youth, social activists and supporters from different states at Jantar Mantar before launching its announced “Parliament March.”
The protesters sought to march towards Parliament to submit their demands to the government despite prior warnings from the Delhi Police that no such march had been permitted. Authorities had already enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the New Delhi district, prohibiting processions, demonstrations and assemblies in the sensitive Parliament area, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar with prior approval.
Lathicharge By Cops, Chaos Ahead Of CJP’s March To Parliamenthttps://t.co/0M4dZGWUQu
NDTV’s @tejshreethought joins @Vasudha156 with more details from Jantar Mantar pic.twitter.com/gXmJvIbkpR
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Scuffle at Barricades Triggers Police Action
Eyewitnesses said protesters attempted to remove and cross multi-layered barricades installed on routes leading to Sansad Marg and Rafi Marg. The situation escalated into brief scuffles between demonstrators and security personnel, following which Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used lathis to disperse the advancing crowd and prevent them from entering the restricted zone.
Police officials maintained that the action was necessary to preserve law and order and ensure the security of Parliament and other vital government installations during the Monsoon Session. According to the police, repeated announcements were made requesting protesters to remain at the designated protest site and comply with the restrictions before force was used.
Protesters Allege Excessive Use of Force
CJP leaders and supporters condemned the police action, describing it as excessive and unnecessary. They alleged that the demonstration had been peaceful and accused security personnel of using force against students and young protesters without adequate provocation.
According to the protesters, several participants sustained injuries to their heads, arms and legs during the baton-charge. Independent verification of the exact number of injured was not immediately available.
Opposition MPs and MLAs Join Protest
The demonstration also drew support from several opposition leaders, including Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and senior leaders from various political parties, who joined the protesters at Jantar Mantar in a show of solidarity. Among those seen at the protest or extending support were Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Atishi, Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who crossed police barricades to reach the protest venue. Earlier, leaders from the Samajwadi Party, including MPs Dimple Yadav, Dharmendra Yadav, Mohibbullah Nadvi, Lakshmikant Nishad, along with MLA Dr. Ragini Sonkar, had visited the protest site to express solidarity. Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera, as well as representatives of other opposition parties, also backed the agitation, reflecting growing political support for the movement’s demands.
Tight Security Across Central Delhi
Anticipating the proposed march, Delhi Police had deployed a heavy security presence around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and adjoining areas. Riot control vehicles, barricades and additional police and paramilitary personnel were stationed across the New Delhi district, while authorities had warned in advance that any unauthorized march towards Parliament would invite legal action under the BNSS and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Following the incident, Delhi Police appealed to the public not to circulate rumours and urged citizens to rely only on official information. The administration also reiterated that legal action would be initiated against anyone found violating prohibitory orders, damaging public property, breaching security barricades or disrupting public order in the high-security zone.
