Guwahati: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) resumed its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, a day after violent clashes between demonstrators and police during the “Sansad Chalo” march left scores injured and prompted a major security response in the national capital.
Protesters began returning to Jantar Mantar early Tuesday morning after the satirical platform called on supporters to continue the agitation despite police action the previous day. Security was tightened across the protest site, with large contingents of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed to prevent further escalation.
The renewed protest came after authorities dismantled the stage and temporary structures at Jantar Mantar following Monday’s confrontation, which saw thousands of students and supporters marching towards Parliament.
The march descended into chaos as protesters and police clashed near Parliament. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd after demonstrators allegedly breached security barricades. According to officials, more than 100 police personnel and over 60 protesters sustained injuries during the violence.
Delhi Police said around 70 protesters were detained and that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against unidentified individuals in connection with violence, vandalism and other alleged offences.
In an official statement, the police claimed that protesters behaved in an “unruly, aggressive and violent” manner and ignored repeated warnings to disperse, despite prohibitory orders being in force.
Protest leaders, however, rejected the police’s version of events and accused security personnel of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. They alleged that several students were injured during the baton charge and tear gas action.
Amid the tensions, the Centre initiated talks with the protest leadership on Monday.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda met CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at his residence to discuss the protesters’ demands. During the meeting, the delegation sought the unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of NEET 2026 aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak controversy.
Later, Nadda said on social media that the CJP delegation had submitted a written memorandum around 4 pm and that the meeting took place after the organisation approached the government for discussions.
Speaking after the meeting, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the Union Minister had assured the delegation that their demands would be placed before the appropriate authorities, but no firm commitment had been made.
“Our protest will continue until meaningful action is taken,” Das said.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite fast from the Delhi hospital where he is undergoing treatment.
In a handwritten message shared by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the protesters and said he would not end his fast until youth representatives were allowed to meet Members of Parliament inside Parliament House or lawmakers visited him at the hospital.
His statement added a fresh dimension to the ongoing protest, which has continued to gather momentum despite heavy police deployment and heightened security in the capital.