Thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Monday to participate in the party’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ rally, which was called to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-UG papers leak and other alleged examination irregularities.
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The protest attracted many prominent political leaders and public figures. Below is a list of names:
- Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) President and Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekar Azad.
- Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
- Veteran actress Shabana Azmi.
- Actor Prakash Raj.
Prominent faces due to emotions
The participation of politicians, actors and activists added momentum to the demonstration, which attracted supporters from various parts of the country. The CJP had earlier urged people to gather at Jantar Mantar from 9 am before heading towards Parliament.
Climate activist, innovator and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk also called on people to participate in the march. Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, is currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after the CJP claimed he was “forcibly” removed from the protest site by authorities over the weekend.
Wangchuk is still under medical observation and continues his hunger strike. He linked his conclusion to accountability over alleged failures in the education system or MPs’ assurances that the issue would be raised in Parliament.
Metro gates closed amid protests
The protest affected metro access across parts of central Delhi. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the gates of Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Siva Tirth stations have been closed until further instructions.
Shortly before the DMRC update, the CJP said several metro station gates were closed as protesters were heading towards Jantar Mantar. In a later update, the DMRC said the exchange facilities and gates at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat have reopened.
Delhi Police refuses permission
Delhi Police had earlier said that it would not allow the proposed march towards Parliament, citing prohibitory orders and security concerns in the high-security New Delhi area.
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In an advisory issued regarding
