Tension gripped central Delhi on Monday after security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who attempted to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

The demonstration, organised under the banner of 'Chalo Sansad', was aimed at highlighting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The march went ahead despite Delhi Police refusing permission and imposing restrictions on public gatherings.

According to officials, protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar before moving towards Parliament. As they approached police barricades, clashes broke out, prompting security personnel to fire tear gas shells and carry out a baton charge to push the crowd back.

Some protesters and police personnel reportedly sustained minor injuries during the confrontation as demonstrators allegedly tried to cross the barricades.

As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi, while security arrangements across the area were significantly tightened.

Amid the unrest, the CJP appealed to its supporters to remain peaceful. In a message to protesters, the organisation urged people not to resort to violence even if they were stopped by the police, saying the movement should continue through peaceful means.

A day earlier, Delhi Police had announced that permission for the march had been denied and reminded citizens that processions, demonstrations and gatherings of five or more people were prohibited unless specifically authorised. The force warned that legal action could be taken against those violating the restrictions.

The protest also disrupted normal life across the city. Several key Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth, were temporarily closed on security grounds, forcing commuters to alter their travel plans and causing heavy congestion at nearby stations.

The Cockroach Janta Party emerged earlier this year as a satirical online movement led by Abhijeet Dipke, following remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that sparked widespread debate. What began as a digital campaign later evolved into a nationwide protest focused on examination reforms and alleged paper leak controversies.

The movement gained further momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of the campaign's demands. Wangchuk was shifted to hospital over the weekend after his health reportedly deteriorated.

In a handwritten message released from the hospital on Monday, Wangchuk said he would end his fast only if the government accepted responsibility for alleged lapses in the examination system or if Members of Parliament across political parties assured him that the issue would be raised during the ongoing Parliament session.