Activists and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) throw back tear gas shells during a protest demanding the resignation of India`s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET examination irregularities in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.—AFP photo

The security forces used tear gas shells to disperse thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who gathered in Delhi to march to the Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, despite police denying permission for the protest.

The police also used sticks and batons to disperse the crowd, mostly youngsters, who had converged at the Jantar Mantar protest site for the "Chalo Sansad" march against alleged irregularities in NEET -- the national entrance test for medical colleges -- and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries as they allegedly tried to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament.

Mobile internet was also shut in parts of Central Delhi.

The CJP asked its supporters to "remain calm".

"Even if you`ve been stopped at certain points, remain calm and maintain peace. We will only win this with peace and love," the party said.

The police had denied them the permission on Sunday and banned large gatherings. They also warned that any person violating the prohibitory orders could face action.

"Protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, with prior permission," the police said in a post on X.

"Delhi Police appeals to all citizens to respect the law, refrain from participating in any unauthorised gathering or march, and cooperate in maintaining public peace, safety and security," the post read.

Chaos At Delhi Metro Stations

Chaos also prevailed at several metro stations in Delhi after five metro stations -- Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth -- were closed over security concerns until further instructions.

Hundreds of commuters were stranded or forced to take longer routes to their destinations.

At Rajiv Chowk, one of the Delhi`s busiest interchange metro stations, commuters were seen crowding near the closed entry and exit gates.

The Cockroach Janta Party was launched in May by Abhijeet Dipke as a satirical digital outfit, following a controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant`s "parasites" and "cockroaches" remark.

Within days, it took the internet by storm and gained millions of followers across social media platforms. It also attracted support from various Opposition politicians, activists, artists, and sportspersons.

30-year-old Dipke, who has lived in the US for the past two years, then returned to India in June to lead the protests in Delhi, calling for reforms in the education sector following alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including paper leaks.

He was later joined by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who sat on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

Wangchuk, 59, however, was taken to hospital by the police last Saturday, citing his health conditions.

In a handwritten note issued from the hospital on Monday, Wangchuk said his fast would end only if the government took responsibility for alleged paper leaks and other failures in the education system or if MPs and leaders of various political parties assured him that they would raise the issue in Parliament.

Source: NDTV