NEW DELHI—Police and protesters clashed near India's Parliament on Monday after thousands of demonstrators attempted to march toward the high-security complex despite prohibitory orders, with security forces using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds and prevent breaches of barricades during the opening day of Parliament's monsoon session.
The protesters were part of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which has organized nationwide demonstrations demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated competitive exam paper leaks. Authorities had denied permission for the planned "Chalo Sansad" (March to Parliament) rally, citing security and public order concerns.
Witnesses and media reports said groups of demonstrators pushed through or attempted to cross police barricades near Jantar Mantar and other roads leading toward Parliament. Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel responded by firing tear gas shells and using batons to disperse sections of the crowd as protesters regrouped at several locations in central New Delhi.
Delhi Police said the proposed march had not received authorization and reiterated that processions and large public gatherings were prohibited in the New Delhi district outside designated protest areas. Police also disputed some reports circulating on social media alleging excessive force, saying officers were handling the protest professionally and urging the public not to spread rumors.
The demonstrations prompted heightened security across the capital, with additional police and paramilitary personnel deployed around Parliament, government buildings and major intersections. Some roads were barricaded, access to several metro stations was temporarily restricted, and a number of Parliament gates were briefly closed as crowds approached the vicinity, according to officials.
The protest movement has expanded in recent weeks, drawing support from students and others frustrated by repeated examination paper leaks, unemployment and demands for greater accountability in the education system. Movement leaders were scheduled to meet Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday as the government opened talks with representatives while demonstrations continued.
As of Monday afternoon, police maintained a heavy security presence around Parliament and central New Delhi. Demonstrations remained ongoing in parts of the capital while authorities continued efforts to prevent protesters from reaching the Parliament complex.
