CJP’s Parliament march loses its script at Jantar Mantar, splinters into scattered protests

What was billed as a coordinated march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament splintered into scattered demonstrations on Monday, with student organisations, political workers and groups raising their own slogans without any visible central leadership directing the protesters.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, who had declared that “no one” could stop the march, was not seen leading the crowd when sections of it attempted to move forward. Most of those trying to advance were young protesters, while the CJP’s senior leadership remained largely absent from the procession.

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‘Chalo Sansad’ march loses its shape

The CJP had asked supporters to assemble at Jantar Mantar for a 9 am march to Parliament, coinciding with the opening of the Monsoon Session. It was promoted as a major show of strength over alleged paper leaks and other failures in the examination system.

On the ground, however, there was no single procession moving under a clearly identifiable command.

Protesters were assembled in separate clusters rather than one disciplined column. Different groups raised their own slogans, while organisers struggled to turn the gathering into the unified march they had promised.

Some young demonstrators attempted to move towards the police barricades, but much of the crowd remained scattered around the protest site.

SFI, AISA and ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans enter the protest

Members and supporters associated with Left student organisations, including the Students’ Federation of India and the All India Students’ Association, were visible at the demonstration.

“Jai Bhim” slogans were heard as another section joined the gathering. Their presence broadened the protest’s numbers but also changed its character, turning a CJP-led mobilisation into several parallel demonstrations.

Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) workers were also present across the site. Party chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad said his organisation had supported the agitation from its early stages and that its entire team was at Jantar Mantar.

“Wherever you look, you will find Azad Samaj Party workers present,” Azad said. He added that he had asked them to set aside their party identity and participate primarily as young citizens.

Abhijeet Dipke missing from the march

Dipke had addressed supporters earlier and claimed that people were arriving from across the country. He described the proposed procession as potentially the biggest march in India’s history and insisted that protesters would reach Parliament.

But when sections of the gathering began moving, Dipke was not seen at the head of the procession. Other senior CJP organisers were also not immediately visible among the young protesters attempting to advance.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das was later taken to the Deputy Commissioner’s office for talks with the authorities.

“We are in talks,” Das told ANI, without disclosing who was representing the government or what proposal was under discussion.

Barricades hold as police action claims fly

Delhi Police placed several layers of barricades around Jantar Mantar and deployed personnel in strength, including members of the Rapid Action Force. A riot-control vehicle was also stationed near the protest site.

Police repeatedly announced that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were in force and asked protesters to remain within the designated area.

ANI and IANS reported that police used batons when protesters attempted to cross the barricades. No lathi charge or detention, however, was witnessed by this correspondent at the protest site.

Delhi Police also denied using violence or detaining protesters and said the demonstration was being handled professionally.

Political faces arrive, unified movement does not

Several Opposition figures reached Jantar Mantar as the gathering grew. AAP leaders Atishi, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Gopal Rai joined the protest, along with Chandrashekhar Azad and actor Prakash Raj.

Their presence gave the demonstration political weight, while student groups supplied much of its energy. But the various strands did not come together as the tightly organised procession promised by the CJP.

The crowd was visible and vocal. The coordinated march towards Parliament was not.