India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of suppressing democratic dissent, as anti-government protests in Delhi continued for a second day. The youth-led party’s leaders, Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained during demonstrations on Saturday and released the following day under conditions meant to prevent public order breaches. Despite their detention, the leaders vowed to persist with their protests, criticizing the government’s response.
The demonstrations, organized by the CJP, student groups, and civil society activists, demand the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters accuse him of overseeing a voter-list revision that reportedly removed around 130 million names from India’s electoral rolls. Critics claim this process could disenfranchise minority communities and favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has dismissed allegations of political interference, asserting that the revision aims to eliminate ineligible voters.
Authorities implemented extensive security measures in the capital, including police barricades and restrictions on public transport and internet services. Thousands were reportedly detained as police tried to prevent gatherings at protest sites. Despite the crackdown, students and CJP supporters returned to the streets on Sunday. Activist Neha Bora was among those detained again, alleging abusive treatment and overcrowded detention conditions.
Delhi University student Surbi Yadav accused police of using excessive force during her detention and vowed to continue protesting until demands are met. CJP leaders Das and Ranka announced at a press conference that the movement now extends beyond Kumar’s resignation to broader criticism of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Das warned that the protests, which he claims are a reaction to government actions aimed at protecting political interests, would persist.
The BJP refuted accusations of electoral manipulation, with spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia defending the voter-list revision as a necessary measure to remove deceased and illegal voters. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has joined calls for accountability, accusing the government of electoral misconduct and adding pressure on the BJP amid growing concerns about electoral integrity.
The ongoing protests underscore escalating political tensions in India over electoral transparency, civil liberties, and the handling of public dissent. Protesters have pledged to maintain pressure on the government, while authorities focus on preventing further unrest in the capital.