In brief
Abhijeet Dipke, the charismatic founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was detained by Delhi police early on Friday as crowds gathered for a flag‑raising protest. The move follows a warning that the march could disrupt public order. The CJP seeks the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over allegations of a sweeping voter‑roll revision that critics say favours the ruling party. Large police contingents and counter‑measures have curbed the march, leading to multiple detentions of protesters and journalists alike. The incident adds to a growing wave of opposition protests questioning the election commission’s independence.
The founder of India’s youth‑led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was hauled into custody by Delhi police early on Friday as crowds gathered for a flag‑raising protest.
Abhijeet Dipke was on his way to his vehicle when officers surrounded him and forced him into a police car. The move follows a police warning that the march could disrupt traffic, damage property and impede emergency services.
The CJP demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after critics claim a “Special Intensive Revision” of electoral rolls has removed over 130 million names, potentially disenfranchising voters. The commission and government have denied the allegations.
The protest, planned for a park in Connaught Place, attracted a few hundred demonstrators who were prevented from entering the venue by police barricades. Police detained dozens of protesters, journalists and student activists, many of whom were dragged into waiting buses.
Dipke’s detention marks the second time in less than a week that he has been seized by authorities. Last Saturday, police boarded his plane and took him away before he could organise a mass demonstration.
After the Friday crackdown, the CJP urged supporters to enter the protest site in small groups, unfurl the tricolour flag, take a photograph and leave, insisting that waving the flag is not a crime.
Police announced that Jantar Mantar—a historic observatory near Parliament—would no longer be an approved protest site, citing administrative reasons. The CJP responded by calling the police move an attempt to silence dissent.
The turmoil has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who called for the reopening of Jantar Mantar and has taken grievances to the President and the Supreme Court.
Home Minister Amit Shah defended the election commission’s independence, accusing opposition parties of spreading falsehoods about the voter‑verification exercise.
The CJP’s campaign continues to co‑exist with larger opposition protests, all converging on the same demand of transparent elections and the removal of alleged manipulation of voter rolls.
“Waving the Tiranga is not a crime”, the group posted on its social media, encouraging supporters to share their photos online.
“I may be jailed again, but I am not worried. Tricolour is my pride and I will raise it”, Dipke said in a video message.
“Detaining a lone man walking with the national flag in his hand is a bit of a joke”, opposition politician Anish Gawande said.
“Detention of activists is likening to the emergency of 1975-77, and we demand an end to the curtain file.”
