Delhi erupts in protests, internet suspended

World

International Desk

Published: Monday, 20 July 2026

Students and youths in the Indian capital Delhi protested on Monday (July 20) demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in medical college entrance exams. Tensions escalated as the 'Chalo Sansad' program coincided with the start of the monsoon session of parliament, leading to clashes between protesters and police.

According to Indian media NDTV, thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar on the call of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and attempted to march towards the parliament building. However, police blocked their advance as the program did not have permission.

Eyewitnesses reported that when the march towards parliament tried to cross barricades, police fired tear gas and later resorted to a lathi charge. Scuffles and clashes occurred between protesters and police during this time. Several people on both sides were reported injured.

To control the situation, mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in several areas of central Delhi. Additionally, five metro stations—Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Tirtha—were temporarily closed for security reasons, causing inconvenience to commuters across the city.

Earlier, Delhi Police stated that no permission had been granted for the program. In a message on social media platform X, they said that marches, rallies, or gatherings of more than five people were prohibited without permission anywhere except the designated area at Jantar Mantar. They warned that legal action would be taken for violating the order.

On the other hand, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) urged its supporters to maintain a peaceful stance. The party said that even if faced with obstacles, they must remain calm and continue the program peacefully.

The Cockroach Janata Party, led by Abhijit Deepak, started the movement demanding reforms in the education system in India, centering on allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities in medical entrance exams. Activist Sonam Wangchuk later joined the movement. He began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28. Due to deteriorating health, he was taken to the hospital last Saturday.

In a message from the hospital, Sonam Wangchuk said he would continue his hunger strike until the government accepts responsibility for the question paper leaks and failures of the education system, and until a discussion on the matter in parliament is guaranteed.