'Chalo Sansad' march meets tear gas, detentions as protesters push towards Parliament

Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered in central Delhi on July 20 as the group's 'Chalo Sansad' march coincided with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, leading to tense stand-offs with security personnel, the use of tear gas, detentions and heightened security across the national capital.

The protest, which has its origins in demands for accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and broader reforms in the education system, intensified after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital following a prolonged hunger strike.

While Wangchuk remained hospitalised, thousands of students, youth and supporters assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to march towards Parliament.

Delhi Police had denied permission for the march, citing security arrangements around Parliament during the Monsoon Session. Multiple layers of barricades were erected around Parliament Street, Shastri Bhawan, Rail Bhawan and other high-security zones, with additional police and paramilitary personnel deployed across central Delhi.

As groups of protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, confrontations broke out with security personnel near Shastri Bhawan. Security forces fired tear gas shells after some demonstrators allegedly tried to breach barricades, while several protesters were detained.

Reports also indicated scuffles between protesters and police, though authorities disputed allegations of excessive force made by opposition leaders and protest organisers.

The security measures had a ripple effect across the city. Several Delhi Metro stations, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Rajiv Chowk, were temporarily closed, while access to government offices around Rail Bhawan and adjoining areas was restricted.

Mobile internet services were also suspended in parts of central Delhi as a precautionary measure, leaving many commuters stranded.

Despite the restrictions, protest organisers maintained that the mobilisation represented one of the largest turnouts since the movement began.

The CJP has emerged as a prominent youth-led campaign demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including paper leaks, and has sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Even as the demonstrations unfolded on the streets, signs of dialogue emerged between the government and the movement. CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka said they had been invited to meet Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, describing it as the first formal outreach by the Centre since the protests began. The outcome of the meeting was not immediately known.

Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk reiterated from Safdarjung Hospital that he would end his hunger strike only if the government accepted responsibility for alleged failures in the education system or elected representatives assured him that the issues would be taken up in Parliament.

He also sought temporary permission to leave the hospital to join the march, saying he felt medically fit enough to participate.

The protest also drew political attention inside Parliament. Opposition leaders raised concerns over the handling of the demonstrations, while several MPs and political leaders expressed support for the protesters' demands.

Outside Parliament, however, Delhi Police continued to maintain a heavy security presence as they sought to prevent demonstrators from entering the high-security zone.