LIVE: Sonam Wangchuk to continue fast; CJP now seeks PM Modi’s resignation
Nadda requests CJP to end sit-in, says ‘meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere’ after security forces baton-charge, use tear gas to disperse protesters
Chaos erupted in the heart of the capital today (July 20) as a planned 'Chalo Sansad' protest march to Parliament, which had swelled to over 10,000 demonstrators, culminated in clashes with police.
Attempting to march past heavy police blockades, a massive wave of protesters converged at the crucial Tolstoy Marg-Sansad Marg intersection. The situation quickly escalated when demonstrators attempted to breach multi-layered barricades, toppling security structures and triggering intense scuffles with security forces.
Also read: Wangchuk says fast to continue, lists conditions to end it
Police used lathis to control the crowd, pushed the protesters back and stopped them from moving beyond the barricades.
Police used sticks and batons to disperse hundreds of students and youth activists marching from Mandi House Metro Station towards Jantar Mantar in an attempt to reach the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest site on Monday, eyewitnesses said. The protesters, including a large number of women, raised slogans against the Centre while proceeding towards Jantar Mantar. Heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel was seen in the area as police sought to prevent the march from advancing.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s "Chalo Sansad" march is being held today (July 20) to protest alleged NEET irregularities and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The high-stakes demonstration coincides with the commencement of the Parliament's Monsoon session.
Follow live updates of 'Chalo Sansad' march and Parliament's Monsoon session, here.
Live Updates
- 20 July 2026 11:33 AM IST
Congress attacks Centre over Wangchuk protest, education issues
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal criticised the BJP-led Centre over its handling of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, alleged examination irregularities, and the proposed Higher Education Bill. He expressed solidarity with Wangchuk, accusing the government of ignoring the protesters despite the indefinite fast continuing for nearly three weeks.
After Wangchuk’s health deteriorated, Delhi Police shifted him from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital following medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court.
Venugopal linked the protest to demands for accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination issues, along with calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. He claimed Pradhan remained "unperturbed," while students and parents were left anxious about the credibility of competitive examinations.
"A sensitive and responsible government would have held talks with the protesters. Instead, the Centre has chosen to ignore them," he alleged.
Calling the government "anti-democratic, anti-student and anti-labour", he added, "The Modi government is the most authoritarian government ruling the country and is trying to destroy the nation," and said, "The Congress will expose the Modi government's anti-democratic approach."
- 20 July 2026 11:24 AM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon following sloganeering by Opposition members over various issues.
