CJP Protest Enters 24th Day Amidst Tensions and Demands for Resignation

The Cockroach People's Party (CJP) has now entered the 24th day of its protest. Following violent clashes during the "March to Parliament" just a day prior, supporters of the party remain steadfast at Jantar Mantar, undeterred by increased security measures. Despite police actions and heavy rainfall, demonstrators have resumed their protests, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party accuses the central government of ignoring public demands and claims that the BJP is operating with arrogance.

On Monday, the CJP had its first direct communication with the central government, engaging in discussions with Union Health Minister JP Nadda. However, the CJP expressed disappointment, stating that the meeting was merely a waste of time. They claim their demands remain unmet, prompting the continuation of their protest. Earlier that day, a significant number of protesters were prevented by police from marching towards Parliament, resulting in violent clashes and heavy baton charges. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka reported that the meeting with the Health Minister yielded no response, asserting that they would not engage again until officials come to the protest site. He emphasized that if the government does not value their time, they will reciprocate the sentiment.

After visiting injured protesters at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, CJP founder Abhijit Deepke revealed that one girl was critically injured during the baton charge on Monday. He questioned the government's brutality against the youth, stating, "Why has the government shown such violence towards young people?" As of early Tuesday, many protesters remained at Jantar Mantar, with most gathered in front of the stage. Following an initial sit-in near Kerala House, they returned to the main stage, which was shrouded in darkness as demonstrators alleged that officials had cut off the power supply to the protest site. The only light came from a few streetlights about 150 to 200 feet away.

The CJP has accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force during their March to Parliament, resulting in injuries to several students and an altercation involving social activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali Angoo, who reportedly faced physical aggression. After the stage was dismantled at Jantar Mantar, the CJP continued their sit-in near Kerala House, asserting that police brutality had resulted in injuries to their members, with claims of protesters being beaten and dragged on the streets.

The Delhi High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Wednesday, which alleges that the Delhi Police used excessive force against protesters during the CJP's March to Parliament. The petition calls for judicial intervention regarding the police's brutal actions.

CJP convener Abhijit Deepke raised concerns on Tuesday about the presence of "trucks filled with stones" at the protest site. According to reports, he questioned the origin of these trucks, stating, "Where did all those stone-laden trucks come from? The Delhi Police is not allowing even a bird to be harmed here. Every member is being searched, and their bags and pockets checked. Everything was blocked at the barriers; people were not allowed to enter. So how did trucks filled with stones arrive near Jantar Mantar?"