New Delhi: A large crowd of protesters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Sunday evening ahead of the planned “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament, with organisers claiming that nearly 20,000 people had assembled in support of the movement. Independent verification of the exact crowd size was not immediately available.
The march has been called for Monday, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Supporters have been mobilising in solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk and other protesters, while organisers urged participants to maintain peace and discipline throughout the demonstration.
On the eve of the march, organisers appealed to protesters to carry only the Indian national flag and avoid displaying political party flags, saying the demonstration should remain peaceful and non-partisan. Many participants stayed overnight at Jantar Mantar in preparation for the march.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police intensified security across the national capital ahead of both the Parliament session and the proposed march. Additional personnel, barricades, surveillance, and vehicle checks were deployed at key locations to maintain law and order. Authorities also warned that any march beyond permitted areas could invite legal action under prohibitory orders in force.
The protest follows recent developments involving activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was shifted to a hospital after his health deteriorated during a prolonged hunger strike. His supporters have vowed to continue the agitation and proceed with the planned march to Parliament.
With political attention focused on the opening day of Parliament, the “Chalo Sansad” march is expected to draw significant public attention as both organisers and authorities prepare for a large gathering in the national capital.
