CJP Movement Spreads Beyond Delhi, Protesters Clash with Police in Patna

Dragon Media News Desk

The student movement led by the Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, has spread beyond New Delhi to other Indian cities. Although the central government initiated a second round of dialogue, formal talks have not moved forward because the two sides failed to agree on the venue and format.

CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das said Union Health Minister and former Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda had invited the group to hold talks at his residence, but the movement rejected the proposal. He said the CJP was prepared to negotiate at a neutral venue such as Jantar Mantar or the Constitution Club.

The first round of talks between CJP representatives and Nadda was held on Monday.

Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association organised a protest in Patna, the capital of Bihar, on Wednesday in support of the CJP movement.

The rally began from Gate No. 10 of Gandhi Maidan and moved towards Raj Bhavan, but police stopped the demonstrators near JP Golambar. As tensions escalated between protesters and police, security personnel used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Reports also said stones were thrown from the protesters’ side.

The demonstration in Patna indicates that the movement against alleged NEET question paper leaks, the functioning of the National Testing Agency and police action against students in Delhi is becoming nationwide. Students and opposition groups have also staged protests in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and other cities.

Citing security concerns, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed 16 metro stations on Wednesday until further notice.

The affected stations included Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Sewa Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh and Shivaji Stadium.

Passengers were still allowed to interchange trains at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. The closures disrupted travel for office workers, students and the general public.

The continuing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 32nd day on Wednesday. Thousands of demonstrators have demanded reforms to the education system, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, justice for students affected by alleged question paper leaks and an investigation into police action against protesters.

Delhi Police have registered 10 first information reports in connection with violence, stone-pelting, damage to public property and attacks on security personnel during the July 20 march towards Parliament.

Police alleged that some protesters attacked Rapid Action Force personnel, damaged police vehicles and obstructed government officials from performing their duties.

The CJP, however, has maintained that the protest was peaceful and that the situation became tense only after police used force.

The Delhi High Court has also heard a petition alleging excessive use of force by police. The petitioners argued that peaceful demonstrators were attacked without warning, while Delhi Police claimed that members of the crowd threw stones and injured security personnel.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh visited Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Tuesday night to inquire about the health of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on hunger strike.

Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28 in support of the student movement. He was transferred from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta after the Delhi High Court permitted his relocation from a government hospital to a private medical facility.

As the student movement spreads across the country, the NEET controversy, examination security, the future of the National Testing Agency and police conduct have become major issues in Parliament and Indian national politics.

The government says it is prepared for discussions, while the CJP has maintained that the movement will continue until concrete decisions are made and accountability is ensured.