Sonam Wangchuk Protest Enters Day 2; Centre Holds Talks as Police Action Reaches Delhi Court

Sonam Wangchuk Protest Enters Day 2; Centre Holds Talks as Police Action Faces Court Challenge

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest entered its second day on Tuesday, with demonstrators continuing their sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar even as the Delhi High Court is set to hear a petition alleging excessive use of force by Delhi Police during Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.

The petition, which seeks judicial intervention over the police action against protesters, was mentioned before the High Court for urgent listing.

Meanwhile, security has been intensified in and around Parliament, with additional barricades and police personnel deployed amid concerns over fresh demonstrations.

Despite heavy rain and Monday’s eviction drive, protesters remained at Jantar Mantar overnight. Volunteers were seen cleaning the protest site on Tuesday morning, while the main stage remained the only structure left standing after police removed tents and other temporary installations. The stage canopy was also damaged during the clearance operation.

Addressing supporters, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke apologised to those injured in the clashes and said the movement would continue peacefully. Several protesters alleged that police personnel, some without visible name tags, assaulted demonstrators—including women—and referred to them as “terrorists.”

Dipke also rejected social media claims that the movement’s leadership had abandoned the protest. He said CJP spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda as part of ongoing discussions with the Centre to resolve the impasse.

The agitation continues to centre around education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike has entered its 24th day, according to CJP leaders. Wangchuk has been fasting from Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted there by police on July 18.

The protest, which began on June 20, seeks accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms to the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march witnessed clashes between protesters and Delhi Police, with both sides accusing the other of provoking the violence. As talks with the Centre continue, protesters have vowed to sustain the agitation until their demands are addressed.