What Sparked the Massive 'Sansad Chalo' March in Delhi? Thousands Demand Accountability!

Protesters Rally for Accountability in Delhi

On Monday morning, a significant number of demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar, undeterred by heavy rainfall and stringent security measures in central Delhi. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized the 'Sansad Chalo' march to demand accountability regarding alleged irregularities in examinations.

In response to the planned protest, Delhi Police implemented extensive security protocols, sealing off multiple roads leading to Parliament and barricading the Jantar Mantar area. Prohibitory orders were enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, resulting in the closure of several metro stations, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth.

Authorities had previously stated that no permission was granted for the march and cautioned that unauthorized gatherings towards Parliament would not be tolerated.

Despite these restrictions, protesters continued to arrive at Jantar Mantar throughout the morning. The CJP shared images and videos on social media, showcasing the large turnout and declaring, 'Heavy rains and massive security, but nothing will stop the cockroaches today.'

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also posted a picture of the Constitution with the caption, 'Long live the Constitution.'

The CJP urged its supporters to remain peaceful despite the movement restrictions, noting that many were being prevented from reaching the protest site. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das encouraged demonstrators to stay calm and peaceful, stating, 'We will only win this with peace and love.'

This mobilization coincides with activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike at Safdarjung Hospital, where he was transferred by Delhi Police. He vowed to continue his fast beyond the march unless the government acknowledged accountability for failures in the education system or political leaders assured him that the issue would be addressed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

In a handwritten note from the hospital, Wangchuk indicated that he would only end his fast if the government took responsibility for alleged paper leaks and other educational failures or if MPs committed to raising the issue in Parliament.

He also claimed he was being held illegally at Safdarjung Hospital.

Additionally, three AISA activists—Neha, Manish, and Aameen—concluded their 23-day hunger strike earlier that day after a delegation of parliamentarians and civil society members urged them to shift their focus from hunger strikes to public campaigns, assuring them that their demands would be addressed during the Monsoon Session.

The CJP's demands include accountability for alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the examination system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The 'Sansad Chalo' march coincided with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.