Thousands brave rain and regroup at CJP protest site, day after police crackdown
Security forces failed to disperse a renewed Jantar Mantar protest after a Monday crackdown, and supporters regrouped in larger numbers despite rain.
- Security forces reportedly used lathi-charge and tear gas during a crackdown that nearly cleared the protest site on Monday.
- Supporters rebuilt tents and a main stage and returned in larger numbers on Tuesday despite rain.
- Rajesh Sahu said he faced lathi-charge during a march towards Parliament and again at Jantar Mantar.
- Pushpa Kumari said police initially blocked entry but later allowed people to enter as the outside crowd increased.
What happened
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party regrouped at Jantar Mantar in Delhi after security forces had nearly cleared the protest site on Monday. The protest continued on Tuesday despite rain, with tents and the main stage rebuilt after being partially or fully demolished the previous evening.
The crowd reportedly grew from around 200–300 early on Tuesday to thousands later in the day. Additional people gathered outside the site entrances as protest activity continued inside the enclosure.
UPSC may connect the Jantar Mantar protest to Article 19, the police response to dissent, and the governance challenge of balancing public order with democratic mobilisation in Delhi.
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