Police block CJP’s parliament march, streets turn into battleground
New Delhi, July 20: On the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament on Monday, a clash broke out between the Delhi police and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters who had gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for a Parliament march. The police used mild force to stop the protesters from proceeding. There was pushing and shoving, and several protesters were detained. CJP chief Abhijit Dipke later ended his hunger strike by drinking water.
The protesters wanted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, however, the police said that permission for the march had not been obtained, so they were not allowed to proceed. Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were already deployed at the scene. Police attempted to persuade the protesters, but the crowd remained adamant. The police then used mild force to push them back.
Many protesters crossed the barricades and began moving towards Parliament Street. Some reached Mandi House and Rajiv Chowk metro stations, while others were detained after reaching the Parliament police station area. However, the police denied claims of a serious lathi charge or large number of injuries.
Earlier, CJP chief Abhijit Dipke had said that if social activist Sonam Wangchuk was not brought to Jantar Mantar within two hours, the protesters would march to Parliament. Wangchuk is admitted to Safdarjung Hospital and is on the 23 day of his hunger strike. Dipke later ended his fast by drinking water.
Meanwhile, CJP spokespersons Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka visited Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda. Sourav Das stated on the social media platform X that the government has approached them for talks and the party will discuss its demands. A large number of youth have gathered in support of the movement and the protest will continue.
