Delhi Police Crackdown on Protesters Demanding Minister's Resignation

Protesters Demand Accountability Amid Police Crackdown on March to Parliament

In a dramatic escalation on Monday, Delhi Police deployed jeeps and motorcycles onto the lawns of Central Vista Avenue to chase down protesters participating in a march to Parliament. The demonstration, spearheaded by the newly-formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated paper leak scandals. However, the anger fueling the protest extended far beyond the leaks, reflecting broader discontent with the government’s perceived indifference to citizens' grievances.

From Frustration to Fury: Protesters Speak Out

Several protesters voiced their disappointment, particularly those who had previously supported the BJP. Sadhna Singh, whose family traditionally votes for the party, expressed frustration over the government’s silence on the leaks. “You advertise your achievements, but you can’t even acknowledge this,” she said, referencing the government’s celebration of P.V. Sindhu’s recent badminton victory while ignoring the ongoing crisis.

Kavita Verma, a BJP voter since 2014, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of arrogance and criticized the police’s use of lathis and tear gas against peaceful demonstrators. “You cannot run a country on the power of a lathi,” she remarked. Protesters were dispersed from near the Press Club of India and later chased down Janpath and Rafi Marg, with police vehicles picking up individuals at random.

Discontent Beyond Paper Leaks

While paper leaks were the rallying cry, many protesters highlighted broader systemic issues. Nishant, a 26-year-old from Bihar, lamented his struggles with inflation, low wages, and deteriorating living conditions. “The government is blind, mute, and deaf,” he said, describing his growing frustration after voting for the BJP twice.

Engineering students from Faridabad also criticized the government’s handling of the paper leak investigations, accusing officials of targeting low-level operatives while shielding higher-ups. “This is ridiculous, and clearly the government is covering up someone higher up,” said Pranesh Rawat.

Police Crackdown Intensifies

The protest, which began peacefully in the morning, faced intensified police action after noon. Protesters regrouped at India Gate lawns, only to be chased away again by police motorcycles and vans. Many expressed their hope for political change, despite the challenges in organizing such demonstrations.

The unrest underscores growing dissatisfaction among citizens, including former BJP supporters, over governance failures and the government’s inability to address pressing concerns. As the protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure to respond to the grievances of its electorate.

Source: The Hindu