NEW DELHI – The police have used batons to disperse protesters after members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) attempted to march towards the Indian Parliament, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to the country’s education system.
The youth-led political group had earlier staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in the capital, pressing for changes to the education sector and calling for the education minister to step down.
According to reports, Delhi Police stopped the protesters before they reached Parliament and carried out a baton charge to disperse the crowd. There were also reports of temporary internet disruptions in parts of New Delhi during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, a delegation of CJP leaders met Health Minister J.P. Nadda and presented their demands. In a post on social media platform X, the party’s spokesperson said the minister assured them that the issues raised by the protesters would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
The police action sparked strong reactions from opposition parties. The Indian National Congress and several other opposition groups condemned the use of force against the demonstrators and expressed support for the protesters.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the baton charge as an attack on democratic values, saying the government’s response to the peaceful protest was unacceptable.
The protests showed the growing dissatisfaction among sections of India’s youth over education policies and calls for greater accountability and reforms in the sector.
