As anti-government protests continue in Delhi for a second day, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led political movement in India, has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration of fostering an atmosphere of fear and stifling democratic dissent. The protests, organized by the CJP along with student groups and civil society activists, demand the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators allege that the recent voter-list revision, which reportedly removed approximately 130 million names, could disenfranchise minority communities to the benefit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Authorities have responded with extensive security measures, including police barricades and restrictions on public transport and internet services. Thousands of people have been detained in the capital as police attempt to prevent demonstrators from gathering. Among those detained were CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, who were released on conditions aimed at preventing further breaches of public order. Despite this, the leaders have vowed to continue their protests, criticizing the government’s approach to the demonstrations.
Student activists, such as Neha Bora and Delhi University student Surbi Yadav, have reported facing abusive treatment and excessive force during detentions. Bora, who was detained again on Sunday, continues to challenge the police response, while Yadav has stated her determination to persist in the demonstrations until their demands are addressed.
At a press conference, CJP leaders Das and Ranka expanded their critique to include broader issues with Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the government of using force to protect political interests. The BJP has rejected these allegations, with party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia defending the voter-list revision as a legitimate effort to remove ineligible voters.
The protests underscore rising political tensions over electoral transparency and civil liberties in India. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has also called for accountability regarding the voter-list revision, accusing the government of electoral malpractice. This criticism adds pressure on the ruling party amidst growing concerns about the integrity of India’s electoral process.
Despite the government’s efforts to quell the unrest, protesters have pledged to maintain pressure, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding electoral integrity and the handling of public dissent in the country.