Protests have erupted in Delhi as leaders of India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of creating an atmosphere of fear and suppressing democratic dissent. The demonstrations, now in their second consecutive day, are driven by demands for the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation.
The protests were organized by the CJP, along with student groups and civil society activists, who claim that the recent voter-list revision removed approximately 130 million names, potentially disenfranchising minority communities to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has denied these allegations, asserting that the revision was a legitimate effort to eliminate ineligible voters.
Authorities have responded with extensive security measures across the capital, setting up police barricades and imposing restrictions on public transport and internet services. Thousands of people have reportedly been detained to prevent gatherings at protest sites. Despite these efforts, protesters, including students and CJP supporters, have persisted in their demonstrations.
Among those detained were CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, who were released under conditions aimed at preventing public disorder. Following their release, the leaders criticized the government’s handling of the protests and vowed to continue their movement. They have expanded their demands beyond Kumar’s resignation to broader criticisms of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Student activist Neha Bora and Delhi University student Surbi Yadav have alleged abusive treatment and excessive force by police during their detentions. Yadav stated her intention to continue participating in the protests until their demands are addressed.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has supported calls for accountability over the voter-list revision, accusing the government of electoral wrongdoing. His involvement adds to the mounting pressure on the ruling party amid growing concerns about electoral transparency and civil liberties in India.
The ongoing demonstrations reflect escalating political tensions and highlight challenges related to electoral integrity and the handling of public protests. As protesters remain determined to press their demands, authorities are focused on preventing further unrest in the capital.