CJP Protest Clashes Shut Rajiv Chowk Metro and Cause Massive Connaught Place Gridlock
A protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged exam irregularities led to violent clashes with police in central Delhi on Monday, causing massive traffic gridlock in Connaught Place and forcing the closure of five key Metro stations. The demonstration, which saw protesters attempt to march toward Parliament, resulted in baton charges, tear gas shelling, and stone-pelting.
Thousands of CJP demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar, carrying the Tricolour and chanting slogans against the Centre over paper leaks and examination irregularities. The situation escalated when the crowds pushed through multiple police barricades near Patel Chowk and Mandi House.
In response, the Delhi Police resorted to baton charges and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported that some protesters threw stones at security personnel, prompting police to detain several individuals to halt their advance toward Parliament.
The unrest heavily impacted local transit. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) suspended services and shut down five major stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth, citing security concerns. The sudden closures left hundreds of commuters stranded outside locked gates, with some seen climbing over barricades and Metro gates to navigate the stations.
Outside the Rajiv Chowk and Janpath stations, office-goers, students, and daily commuters struggled to find alternative transport, forcing many to walk long distances or seek buses, auto-rickshaws, and cabs. Major roads around Connaught Place, Parliament Street, Janpath, and India Gate experienced severe traffic congestion throughout Monday due to police barricades and security diversions.
The disruption also affected political figures in the area. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Delhi for a National Conference protest, had to abandon plans to walk from Jantar Mantar and instead took an auto-rickshaw to avoid the swelling crowds.
By Monday evening, police had cleared protesters from several sites, including the India Gate lawns, and Metro services gradually resumed at some stations. However, heavy police deployment remained in place across central Delhi, and CJP leaders vowed to continue their agitation, staging a sit-in near Kerala House.
