Protesters hoist tricolour at Jantar Mantar as CJP renews demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's exit

New Delhi: Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) raised slogans and hoisted the Indian tricolour and the movement's flag at Jantar Mantar on Saturday as party founder Abhijeet Dipke was expected to arrive at the protest venue shortly.

In a video shared on the CJP's handle on X, protesters were seen waving flags and gathering in large numbers at the venue while Vande Mataram played in the background. The party also used the post to renew its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

The demonstration, CJP's second major protest, got underway amid heavy security arrangements across the national capital, with Delhi Police deploying extensive surveillance and crowd-control measures.

The protest, led by Dipke, was scheduled to begin at 1 pm amid heightened police presence, with supporters arriving from different parts of Delhi and neighbouring states. Authorities had granted permission for the demonstration.

CCTV cameras were installed in and around the protest venue to monitor the gathering in real time, while around 270 body-worn cameras were deployed for police personnel stationed at the site to ensure transparency and document proceedings, officials said.

Delhi Police videographers were also positioned at the venue to record the protest and monitor developments on the ground.

Multiple layers of barricades were erected around Jantar Mantar and adjoining roads, while vehicles were checked at key entry and exit points across the city as part of preventive measures.

Senior Delhi Police officers, including top brass, were assigned field duties to oversee the arrangements and ensure law and order, according to police sources. Reserve forces were also kept on standby to tackle any untoward situation.

"Delhi Police has made adequate arrangements and we appeal to protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement," a senior officer said.

The Special Branch is keeping a close watch on developments at the protest site as well as related activity on social media, officials said.

Security has also been strengthened at major transport hubs, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and border points, as a precautionary measure.

Traffic diversions have been planned in parts of central Delhi depending on the size of the gathering, while metro services continue to operate normally, officials added.

The protest comes days after Dipke was allegedly slapped multiple times and manhandled by miscreants while being carried on supporters' shoulders during a demonstration in Jaipur on June 15.

The CJP, which started as a satirical online campaign following remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing last month, has since evolved into an organised protest platform, drawing considerable traction on social media.