New Delhi, July 23: Communication and public transit disruptions broadened across central Delhi as authorities extended an internet suspension until midnight following persistent standoffs between security forces and demonstrators. The measure coincided with the shutdown of 16 metro stations, including major interchanges like Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Mandi House, as law enforcement maintained heavy deployments near Jantar Mantar and Sansad Marg.
At the Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Lane intersection, police personnel and demonstrators remained locked in a tense face-off behind temporary barricades, with isolated incidents of objects thrown toward security lines.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing group, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das declared that their core political demand remains unchanged despite the security measures.
“Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is non-negotiable. Without this, the protest will continue,” Saurav Das asserted, referencing the union education minister.
He affirmed that communications with activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently undergoing medical care at Medanta Hospital during an indefinite fast, underscored the intent to maintain a peaceful movement.
Political friction intensified inside Parliament as well, where Opposition lawmakers staged demonstrations over alleged examination paper leaks. Leaders insisted that ministerial accountability must precede legislative debate.
“There will be no discussion on the issue till the education minister resigns…It cannot be a fair discussion till he resigns,” Congress chief and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge stated.
Government representatives maintained that official channels for dialogue remain accessible, while cautioning against the politicization of student grievances. Security forces remain on high alert across central zones to prevent further clashes following earlier confrontations that resulted in injuries to five police officers.
