CJP protest in Delhi: Opposition marches to PM residence, govt says doors of dialogue open

The political battle over the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests intensified on Tuesday, with Opposition leaders marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence while the Centre signalled that it remains open to talks with the protesters.

The developments came a day after the CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' march in Delhi ended in clashes with police, leaving several protesters injured and triggering a fresh political confrontation between the government and the Opposition.

While protests continued at Jantar Mantar, the government indicated that another round of dialogue with student leaders could take place soon.

The situation remains tense as one of the injured protesters continues to be on ventilator, although doctors have said her condition is stable and that she is recovering.

Opposition targets Centre over police action

Leading the Opposition's attack, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said Opposition MPs marched to the Prime Minister's residence to demand accountability for the police action during Monday's protests.

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In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the government was refusing to answer questions over the violence or allow a discussion in Parliament.

"We have marched to PM Modi's house to demand answers from him for the brutalities against young students yesterday," Gandhi wrote.

Government signals willingness for talks

Even as political tensions escalated, the Centre indicated that it remains open to engaging with the protesters.

According to a News18 report, government officials said the Centre is not opposed to holding discussions with representatives of the protesters, and a decision on the next round of engagement is expected shortly.

"The government is not averse to talking," an official was quoted as saying, adding that a call on further discussions with the protesting students would be taken soon.

The latest outreach follows a meeting on Monday between Union Minister and former BJP president JP Nadda and a delegation from the CJP.

Protests continue at Jantar Mantar

Despite the government's outreach, the CJP has announced that its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar will continue.

While the organisation has suspended further marches towards Parliament to avoid additional injuries after Monday's clashes, it has made it clear that the agitation itself will not be called off.

Delhi Police have registered FIRs over allegations of violence and vandalism during the 'Sansad Chalo' march. Protest leaders, however, have accused the police of using excessive force against demonstrators.

Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 24th day of his indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement. He has refused to end his fast, insisting that the protesters' key demands—including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan—must first be addressed.

CJP removes spokesperson over viral videos

Amid the continuing protests, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) also announced the removal of its spokesperson, Vijeta Dahiya, after videos of him surfaced on social media during the police action against protesters.

In a statement posted on X, the CJP said it "strongly condemns" Dahiya's conduct, alleging that the videos emerged while peaceful protesters and party members were facing police violence in Delhi.

Calling his actions "deeply insensitive" and "completely inconsistent with the values and principles of our movement", the party announced that Dahiya had been removed as its spokesperson and relieved of all official responsibilities with immediate effect.