21 July,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday defended the Delhi Police action during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest in the national capital, saying that while peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right, protests without permission and incidents of violence cannot be justified.
His remarks came a day after clashes broke out during the CJP's "Sansad Chalo" march, during which Delhi Police alleged that protesters attempted to breach barricades, leading to violence that left more than 118 police personnel and around 60 protesters injured.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said democratic protests are protected under the Constitution, provided they remain peaceful and are conducted with the necessary permissions.
"In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. However, while protesting, one thing must keep in mind both the rights given by the Constitution and the responsibilities placed by it. If anyone conducts a peaceful protest with due permission, such permission will be granted, and everyone has the right to carry out such protests. On the other hand, creating political instability intentionally, protesting without permission, or resorting to violence is unacceptable under any circumstances, and necessary action will be taken against it," Fadnavis said.
He maintained that authorities are obligated to act whenever public order is threatened.
Fadnavis further claimed that large protest movements without clear leadership often become vulnerable to infiltration by groups seeking to pursue unrelated political agendas.
"Whenever any agitation becomes faceless or leaderless, certain elements infiltrate it. They try to take advantage of the situation and use the platform to serve their own interests. Even in Delhi, during the protests, several political parties tried to capitalise on the situation. Many organisations that had nothing to do with the issue tried to create chaos. When an agitation lacks leadership, as we saw in Delhi, Police vehicles were damaged, overturned, and stones were pelted at the police," he said.
He alleged that such elements contributed to the disorder witnessed during Monday's protest.
Defending the police action, the Chief Minister said governments do not prefer using force against citizens but argued that the circumstances required intervention by law enforcement agencies.
"I want to emphasise that no government likes to use lathi charges on its own citizens. But considering the situation yesterday, if the police hadn't controlled it, several unnecessary incidents could have occurred. The police showed great restraint and took only the necessary action to manage the protest appropriately," Fadnavis said.
Delhi Police has maintained that force was used only after protesters allegedly became violent and attempted to breach security barricades.
Fadnavis clarified that he was not blaming every participant in the demonstration and acknowledged that many may have joined the protest with genuine concerns.
"I am not accusing all protesters. Some might be participating with good intentions. However, it is certain that elements driven by self-interest, who have nothing to do with the actual issue (such as NEET) or when the exam was held, have infiltrated to create anarchy and advance their own agenda," he said.
"When people who are unaware of the core issue start pushing their own agendas, it means not everyone is aligned toward a single cause. Miscellaneous elements are trying to fulfil their interests," he added.
The Chief Minister's remarks came as the CJP continued its agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On Monday, the party's march towards Parliament turned violent after clashes with police. Separately, a CJP delegation met Union Health Minister and Rajya Sabha Leader of the House J.P. Nadda to press its demands, including Pradhan's resignation.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered FIRs against unidentified persons in connection with allegations of rioting, vandalism, stone-pelting and damage to public property during the protest.
(With inputs from ANI)
