Baton Charge on Parliament March Protesters Sparks Political Debate in India

NEW DELHI — Indian riot police baton-charged protesters in New Delhi on Monday as thousands attempted to march to parliament, escalating a demonstration over irregularities in major examinations.

Protesters ran for cover as police in blue riot gear charged near the Jantar Mantar site, an AFP journalist reported. Demonstrators had gathered from early morning, defying monsoon drizzle and police barricades set up on routes to the site. They are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over question paper leaks and technical glitches in exams.

“We want the government to hear us, not silence us,” said student K.M. Gulshan, 19.

The protest follows activist Sonam Wangchuk being taken to hospital on Saturday, ending his 20-day hunger strike in support of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party movement. The CJP has gained millions of followers since May, tapping into anger over the education system and unemployment. The movement is seen as one of the biggest challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he won a third term in 2024.

The Internet was blocked in parts of central Delhi, with police stating the protesters did not have permission. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue in parliament, accusing the government of trying to “suppress voices.” Slogans demanding the education minister’s resignation were also shouted in the lower house.

Despite rapid economic growth, millions in India still struggle to find stable employment, fueling discontent. The protests follow a re-examination of 2.2 million medical students after a previous test was scrapped over a question paper leak.

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