Delhi’s political tensions intensified after a major protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on October 10 was met with extensive security restrictions and mass detentions. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staged a sit-in at a police station, while the INDIA bloc announced another protest march for Monday, October 12.
What is the CJP, and what does it want?
The Cockroach Janta Party is a youth-led political movement that grew from an online satirical campaign. Its founder-convenor is Abhijeet Dipke, with Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka among its leading figures. The movement is demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the process threatens voters’ rights. The Election Commission’s position is that voter-list revision is an administrative exercise.
What happened on Saturday?
Delhi authorities deployed thousands of security personnel, imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), suspended mobile internet around central Delhi and restricted access to 57 Metro stations. CJP leaders, opposition politicians, activists and content creators were detained at different locations. Reports on the total number vary widely, so no single figure should be treated as confirmed without an official police count.
Why is Mamata Banerjee protesting?
Banerjee and five Trinamool Congress MPs were detained. She alleged that they were “kidnapped” and driven around in a prison van for nearly two hours. She then staged a sit-in at Dwarka North police station. Delhi Police had said the CJP demonstration lacked permission and cited public-order concerns.
What happens next?
The INDIA bloc has announced a march for Monday, October 12, with Rahul Gandhi calling for further action over the detentions and electoral-roll controversy. Meanwhile, 124 former civil servants and diplomats have defended the Election Commission and SIR, arguing that allegations of electoral wrongdoing require evidence. The BJP has also criticised the opposition’s protests. The dispute now centres on electoral transparency, public order and the right to peaceful assembly.
