Leaders of India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of fostering a climate of fear and stifling democratic dissent amid ongoing protests in Delhi. The demonstrations, now in their second day, have been organized by the CJP alongside student groups and civil society activists, demanding the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters allege that Kumar oversaw a controversial voter-list revision that removed approximately 130 million names, potentially disenfranchising minority communities and benefiting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Authorities have responded with stringent security measures throughout the capital, including police barricades and restrictions on public transport and internet services. Thousands were reportedly detained as police sought to prevent gatherings at protest sites. Despite these efforts, CJP supporters and student activists have continued to rally, undeterred by the crackdown. Among the demonstrators, Delhi University student Surbi Yadav claimed excessive force was used during her detention, while student activist Neha Bora reported abusive treatment and overcrowded conditions.
Following the detention and subsequent release of CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, the movement’s focus has broadened. At a press conference, Das and Ranka criticized the government’s handling of the protests and accused it of using force to protect political interests. They vowed that the demonstrations would persist, expanding their critique to include broader allegations against Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The BJP has dismissed the allegations, with spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia defending the voter-list revision as a necessary measure to eliminate ineligible voters rather than a tactic to influence election outcomes. Nonetheless, the protests have garnered additional support from opposition figures, including Rahul Gandhi, who has called for accountability over the voter-list revision and accused the government of electoral malpractice.
The situation underscores escalating political tensions in India concerning electoral integrity, civil liberties, and the management of public protests. As protesters remain committed to their cause, authorities continue efforts to prevent further disturbances in the capital, highlighting the deepening divide over these critical issues.