Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 22: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday closed 16 metro stations until further notice as security was tightened across the national capital in view of ongoing protests over alleged examination irregularities.
The DMRC clarified that while entry and exit at the affected stations have been suspended, interchange facilities will continue to remain available for commuters.
The stations closed are Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh and Shivaji Stadium.
The decision comes amid heightened security around Parliament and other key locations in central Delhi following continuing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Several metro stations had also been shut on Monday when thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament in response to the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' call.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been deployed at major metro stations and roads leading to Parliament to assist the Delhi Police in maintaining law and order.
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had airlifted 20 additional CRPF companies from West Bengal for immediate deployment in the national capital as part of enhanced security arrangements.
Meanwhile, CJP supporters continued their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, with more demonstrators joining the agitation overnight. Volunteers at the protest site were also receiving food and other essential supplies from supporters.
The protest, which has entered its second month, continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.
In a post on X, the CJP claimed that thousands of protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to support Pradhan despite widespread protests by students.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the agitation would continue until the Union Education Minister resigned.
"We will not leave this place until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The youth of the country will no longer remain silent," he said.