Delhi tensions escalate as Opposition, CJP insist on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

NEW DELHI: The political and law-and-order situation in Delhi has intensified as the Opposition and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) remain firm in their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Centre has said it is ready for talks, including a discussion in Parliament. However, the CJP refused to hold negotiations at the residence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. Later, Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh met CJP representatives at the Jantar Mantar Road residence of businessman Varun Seth. The protesters made it clear that they would accept nothing short of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The Centre, meanwhile, is attempting to resolve the standoff without seeking the minister's resignation.

Thousands of students continued to gather at Jantar Mantar late into the night as the government deployed additional central security forces. Clashes broke out between protesters and the police on Sansad Marg after 9 pm, prompting police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The closure of more than 16 Metro stations disrupted normal life across the city. Commuters expressed anger as they gathered outside several stations. The restrictions were lifted later in the evening.

Parliament was also disrupted for the second consecutive day. Congress, Left and Samajwadi Party MPs, dressed in black, staged protests inside and outside both Houses. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed both Houses that the government was ready for a discussion.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that Dharmendra Pradhan resign before any discussion is held. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal also called for an immediate debate after setting aside all other business. Despite several attempts to conduct proceedings, continuous protests forced both Houses to adjourn for the day.

Supreme Court declines urgent hearing
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to urgently hear a public interest petition challenging the alleged police action against the CJP's Parliament march held on Monday. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court's time should not be wasted, drawing criticism from the CJP. The party said the Centre should advise the Chief Justice against showing such arrogance. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and the Delhi Police.

"I am used to being beaten. I will gladly face it again. Action must be taken against those who treated students brutally, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to them."

-Rahul Gandhi

Wangchuk offers to suspend hunger strike if demands are met

Social activist Wangchuk said he is willing to suspend his hunger strike if the following conditions are met:

• Cases filed against the protesters are withdrawn.
• No retaliatory legal action is taken against them.
• He will ask the protesters to temporarily suspend their agitation.
• He will also urge them to hold talks with the government.