Early morning of 20th July 2026… The monsoon session of Parliament was about to begin, but the scene on the streets of Delhi that day was completely different. The area from Jantar Mantar to Parliament House was filled with crowds of youth. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) started ‘Chalo Sansad’ to demand NEET paper leak and reform in the education system. The police had already made it clear that permission would not be given to march towards Parliament. Nevertheless, thousands of youth, students, parents and teachers started gathering at Jantar Mantar since morning. What was initially a march gradually transformed into a major protest in central Delhi. But what do the pictures from both sides of this movement say…

8:30 am: Attempt to negotiate, then barricades

Delhi Police started talks with CJP leaders. New Delhi’s DCP Sachin Sharma met CJP leaders. By 9 am it was time to start the march and all the entry and exit gates of the protest site were sealed. Thousands of protesters gathered on the streets.

10:30 am: First clash, sticks and stones

A part of the protesters broke two layers of barricades. After this the police lathicharged. Police alleged that some protesters pelted stones, due to which many policemen were injured. At the same time, CJP claimed that the police used excessive force. In the video viral on social media, policemen were shown using sticks and throwing stones. However, the police denied the allegations of stone throwing.

12:12 pm: CJP’s statement ‘Government ready to talk’

CJP founder Abhijit Deepke addressed the crowd. He said that he has contacted the government and appealed to the protesters to remain at Jantar Mantar. After this, Deepke boarded a mini-truck and moved towards the barricades, but the police stopped him.

1:40 pm: Tear gas and increasing violence

Groups of protesters reached the Parliament area through different routes. The police repeatedly fired tear gas shells. Violence increased in Raisina Road, Ashoka Road, Janpath, Connaught Place and other parts of Central Delhi. Police used lathi charge and tear gas.

The protesters were trying to move towards the Parliament House, but the police chased them away with tear gas. The crowd broke the barricades and threw stones at the police. In response, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) resorted to at least two rounds of lathicharge.

4 pm: Stage demolished, protest site empty

Security personnel started evacuating the protest site. The stage, tents and banners were removed. The protesters were also removed. Between 5:55 and 6:40 pm, police also removed the remaining structures. However, Abhijeet Deepke, CJP spokesperson and Geetanjali Angmo, wife of Sonam Wangchuk, continued their protest near Kerala House.

Who suffered how much loss from both sides?

Police claim: 118 policemen were injured, more than 70 people were detained, 15-20 government vehicles were damaged and a case was registered.

CJP and protesters claim: More than 50 protesters injured, more than 100 detained, a 12-year-old girl suffered head injuries and 40-50 protesters received head injuries. The CJP also alleged that the police pulled Sonam Wangchuk’s wife by her hair, which the police described as ‘completely false and misleading’.

What did the police and protesters say on the whole matter?

Delhi Police: Police said that the protesters remained adamant on marching towards Parliament. When they broke the barricades, they had to resort to lathi charge. Police rejected the reports of stone pelting. The officials appealed to all the protesters to maintain peace.

CJP and protesters: CJP accused the police of ‘brutal lathicharge’ and excessive use of force. CJP shared the video and claimed that the police had thrown stones at the protesters. CJP said that he believes in non-violence. The protesters protested against the police action.

Internet shut down, traffic halted, Parliament adjourned

Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi. Commuters faced problems at Mandi House and Barakhamba Road metro stations. Many roads including Rafi Marg, Motilal Nehru Marg and Raisina Road remained blocked. The first day of the monsoon session inside Parliament had to be repeatedly postponed as opposition MPs were protesting over the paper leak issue.

Will this movement change the picture?

The day of 20th July 2026 showed that CJP is not limited to just social media, he has come down to the ground. Thousands of youth showed insistence on their demands despite police barricades, batons and tear gas. While the police described their action as ‘professional’, the CJP termed it as ‘violence and dictatorship’. The figures of 118 policemen injured, more than 50 protesters and more than 100 detained show that both sides had to pay a heavy price.

The biggest question still left is whether the government will negotiate on the demands of CJP? Health Minister JP Nadda met CJP representatives, but this did not reduce the tension. Sonam Wangchuk clearly said, ‘I will continue my fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet MPs in Parliament.’