Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party have questioned heavy curbs on their proposed October 10 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, asking why similar demonstrations are allowed in Mumbai and Bengaluru but prohibited in the national capital. Speaking at an event, CJP figures Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das challenged the official restrictions, questioning whether Delhi operates under a different constitutional framework.
Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, which demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing procedural requirements, previous law-and-order concerns, and potential disruptions to security and traffic. Authorities planned to deploy more than 20,000 security personnel across New Delhi, central city areas, and capital borders, supported by multiple layers of barricading, surveillance cameras, and 12 detention centres.
Dipke invoked Article 19 to emphasize that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site and criticized sweeping restrictions on roads, metro services, and railways. Ranka argued that the dispute over reaching the venue had overshadowed the original demands, noting that citizens now have to fight for the right to protest at a designated site. The organizers alleged that the Election Commission is working alongside the ruling party, pointing to the detention of protesters in BJP-ruled states as evidence.
Das clarified that he had approached Delhi Police to formally inform them of the demonstration rather than seek permission, submitting a letter on October 7 asserting constitutional rights. He criticized the lack of communication from senior officers and questioned the requirement to ask the state for permission to protest against it, drawing a comparison to historical non-violent movements.
The security preparations extended well beyond Jantar Mantar, involving train cancellations, the closure of numerous metro stations, and reported restrictions on internet services and app-based cabs. Authorities established a sensitive zone around key government and institutional headquarters featuring multi-layered barricading, hundreds of CCTV cameras, and deployed personnel instructed to prevent unauthorized gatherings while maintaining maximum restraint.