Delhi is being turned into a fortress as police have deployed tens of thousands of security personnel in preparation for the Saturday protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a mock‑satirical movement that has emerged as a voice for younger voters.
The CJP calls for Electoral Reform and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged manipulation of voter rolls in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme. The SIR, launched last year, claims to have removed 130 million duplicate or in‑eligible entries from the national voter database; opposition groups argue many of those removed are legitimate voters.
Despite the CJP’s request for permission to hold the march at Jantar Mantar, police denied the application, citing the short notice given (less than the 10‑day minimum required) and past non‑compliance with lawful directions. In response, the CJP says organisers only need to inform authorities, not receive approval.
In addition to the police presence, most roadways leading to the protest venue have been closed with metal barricades, and several train services and metro stations have been cancelled. Police have appealed to citizens to avoid the area, while opposition parties and student groups continue to mobilise support for the demonstration.
On Saturday, the protest intends to march to Jantar Mantar “come what may”, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke warning that authorities can jail or even shoot the protesters if necessary. The event is expected to be the largest demonstration in recent times, gathering opposition members, farmer organisations and student activists under a common call for electoral transparency.
