New Delhi: A surprise protest erupted in New Delhi's Connaught Place on the second day of the Cockroach Janta Party agitation, as left-leaning student organizations including AISA, AISF, and SFI gathered unexpectedly near the inner circle. The demonstrators attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar via Janpath Road, raising slogans and demanding resignations to safeguard democracy.
In response to the flash demonstration, Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel deployed anti-riot gear, forming a human shield and barricading key lanes before detaining sixty to seventy protesters. Security forces maintained a heavy presence across Connaught Place, carrying out flag marches following market closures advised earlier by the New Delhi Traders Association. Correspondents reported that demonstrators utilized operational metro stations to stage their arrival.
Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for major infrastructure projects, including the 14.5-kilometre Chennai Metro Rail Phase Two stretch connecting Poonamallee to Vadapalani, alongside Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. The event featured a planned ceremonial metro ride from the Porur Bypass station.
The Prime Minister's itinerary also encompassed project launches across national highways, rail line completions such as the Karaikal-Perambur route, Amrit Bharat station upgrades, and various initiatives in scientific research, ports, and petroleum, concluding with visits to a local temple and IIT Madras. Around 1,100 students in traditional Bharatanatyam attire, alongside party cadres and supporters, gathered at the venue to welcome the leaders.
Observers noted the political significance of the joint appearance, highlighting that Chief Minister Vijay had met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Chennai just a day prior before sharing the public stage with Prime Minister Modi in accordance with official protocol.