Thousands Defy Police Orders and March Toward India’s Parliament in Delhi

Photo/AP. Police fired tear gas and used batons against thousands of protesters marching toward India’s Parliament on Monday as demonstrators demanded accountability over alleged exam corruption. Indian police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse thousands of protesters attempting to march toward Parliament in New Delhi on Monday, as a youth-led movement demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged corruption in the country’s examination system. The demonstration, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), coincided with the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session and became one of the largest anti-government protests in India in recent years. The Guardian reported that thousands of mostly students and young people defied police restrictions, filled central Delhi’s streets, and marched despite heavy security measures. Delhi Police, which had denied permission for the march, imposed restrictions on public gatherings, barricaded major roads around the capital, and suspended internet services in parts of central New Delhi before protesters attempted to move toward Parliament. Police said more than 10,000 people gathered near Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas. Officers blocked demonstrators from advancing, citing public safety concerns after the designated protest area reached capacity. Videos circulating on social media showed riot police firing tear gas and charging protesters with batons as crowds attempted to breach barricades. Protest organizers accused authorities of using excessive force, while police disputed reports that large-scale clashes had occurred. The CJP also claimed its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, was detained during the protests, although authorities had not immediately confirmed the detention. The movement emerged earlier this year after allegations of widespread irregularities in India’s national medical entrance examination (NEET). Last month, authorities ordered nearly 2.2 million candidates to retake the exam after cancelling the original test following allegations that question papers had been leaked. Protesters said the examination scandal reflected broader failures in India’s education system, including alleged corruption, lack of transparency, and limited employment opportunities for young graduates. Organizers have also linked the controversy to reports of more than 20 student suicides following the examination crisis. The protests gained additional momentum after prominent education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike in support of students. Organizers said Wangchuk was later taken to hospital under police supervision, prompting further criticism from opposition politicians and civil society groups. According to protest organizers, government representatives invited two CJP members for talks with senior cabinet minister J.P. Nadda, but demonstrators vowed to continue protests until their demands—including the education minister’s resignation and examination reforms—are addressed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not publicly commented on Monday’s demonstrations at the time of publication. India’s competitive entrance examinations determine admission to universities and professional institutions for millions of students each year. Repeated allegations of question paper leaks, cheating networks, and administrative failures have intensified public scrutiny of the examination system. The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical online movement before evolving into a nationwide youth campaign demanding education reforms and greater government accountability. The group’s name references remarks by a senior judge that protesters later adopted as a symbol of defiance. Monday’s demonstration marked its largest mobilization to date and highlighted growing frustration among India’s younger generation over education, employment, and governance. The post Thousands Defy Police Orders and March Toward India’s Parliament in Delhi appeared first on Khaama Press.