Delhi Metro Closes 16 Stations Amid CJP Protests

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed 16 metro stations in central Delhi on Wednesday, including Central Secretariat and Rajiv Chowk, citing security concerns. The closures align with the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament and the third day of a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET examinations. The current agitation follows a Monday 'Sansad Chalo' march that ended in clashes between demonstrators and police. While stations are closed to the general public, interchange facilities at major nodes remain operational.

In response to the unrest, the Delhi Police issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, noting that the CJP failed to obtain official clearance for its march. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has joined the protests, launching an indefinite hunger strike to highlight failures within the education system.