As Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters clashed with the police while attempting to march towards Parliament on Monday, the scenes revived memories of some of the biggest public agitations that have unfolded in the national capital over the past decade and a half.Delhi has long served as the country’s political stage, with Parliament, Raisina Hill and Jantar Mantar becoming symbolic destinations for protesters seeking to press their demands before the government. Monday’s confrontation over the alleged examination paper leaks joined a long list of movements that transformed the city’s streets into sites of political resistance.One of the most defining was the 2011 Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement, when Hazare’s arrest sparked nationwide outrage. Thousands gathered outside Tihar Jail before the veteran activist shifted to Ramlila Maidan, where his 13-day fast galvanised the demand for a stronger Lokpal law and reshaped India’s political discourse.Related news: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib shelters injured protesters, stranded commuters in DelhiCJP march: Protesters refused to kneel, Delhi Police batons didn’t stopBarely a year later, the 2012 Nirbhaya movement brought unprecedented crowds to India Gate and Raisina Hill after the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman. Students, professionals and citizens repeatedly attempted to march towards Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan, prompting the police to use water cannons, tear gas and baton charges. The protests eventually led to sweeping changes in India’s criminal laws relating to sexual offences.The anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests of 2019 and 2020 again turned Delhi into the epicentre of a nationwide movement. Demonstrations at Jamia Millia Islamia, the women-led sit-in at Shaheen Bagh and protests across the city drew thousands, resulting in prolonged road closures, heavy police deployment and repeated restrictions around central Delhi.The farmers’ agitation against the three farm laws became one of independent India’s longest protests. After being stopped at Delhi’s borders, thousands of farmers established camps at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, remaining there for over a year until the Centre repealed the laws. The movement reached its most dramatic moment on Republic Day in 2021, when a section of protesters deviated from agreed routes, entered central Delhi and reached the Red Fort, where the Nishan Sahib and farmers’ union flags were hoisted. More than 300 police personnel were injured during the clashes.In 2023, India’s top wrestlers protesting against the then Wrestling Federation of India chief gathered at Jantar Mantar and later attempted to march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Police detained several wrestlers and supporters, with images of Olympic and Commonwealth medallists being dragged away sparking national outrage.Monday’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march followed a familiar trajectory. Thousands of CJP supporters assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to move towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities. Police, citing prohibitory orders and the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, stopped the march with barricades, baton charges and tear gas, leading to hours of clashes in central Delhi.While the causes have varied, from corruption and women’s safety to citizenship laws, farm reforms, sporting governance and now examination integrity, the geography has remained largely unchanged. Time and again, Delhi’s avenues leading to Parliament have become the country’s most visible arena for public dissent, reflecting both the democratic impulse to protest and the recurring confrontations that arise when crowds attempt to reach the nation’s seat of power.