Security has been stepped up across New Delhi as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares for a fresh demonstration, following the jailing of two of its activists. On Friday, thousands of extra officers were sent into the Indian capital, a sign that the government may be readying for more clashes.
Supporters have been asked to gather at Central Park at 5pm local time (11:30am GMT). The two movement leaders were jailed for five days this week for allegedly trespassing at a protest site. Officials have closed the park, citing “administrative reasons”, and placed metal barricades at key intersections. The rally is just the latest protest to face a crackdown by the authorities.
Abhijeet Dipke defies warnings of arrest
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke suggested police might try to arrest him before the protest. He said he and his supporters were not afraid and were prepared to go to jail.
In a social media post, Dipke accused the government of hypocrisy and condemned the police crackdowns against the movement. He argued that many of those now in power might never have reached their positions if they had faced similar limits on protest when they were in opposition.
Movement demands electoral reform and election chief’s resignation
The CJP has held almost daily demonstrations this month, calling for electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The group accuses him of voter fraud over the removal of more than 130 million names from the electoral roll. Election authorities said the changes were intended to remove duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries.
The movement was founded in May amid anger over the leaking of exam papers and weak job prospects for young people in India. It has become a platform for many members of Gen Z, who feel sidelined during an unemployment crisis under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing government. The CJP has already forced the resignation of the education minister.
Opposition parties have quickly backed the protests, and some analysts say Modi now faces the worst crisis since he came to office in 2014.
