Indian Police Detain ‘Cockroach’ Movement Leaders Ahead of Election Chief Resignation Protest
India's 'Cockroach' movement leaders arrested as protests demand election chief's resignation. Tens of thousands detained in Delhi crackdown.
POLICY WIRE — New Delhi, India — Indian authorities have detained key figures from the satirical ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP) ahead of a planned protest demanding the resignation of the country’s chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.
The arrest of party founder Abhijeet Dipke and other leaders occurred after they entered a restricted protest zone at Jantar Mantar, a historic site known for public demonstrations. The group was seen climbing over barriers and chanting slogans while waving the Indian flag, according to videos shared by the party.
Protesters argue that recent changes to the voter registration process favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party, a claim the Election Commission denies. The CJP, which began as an online satire movement following controversial remarks about young people, has grown into a prominent voice against government policies on unemployment and governance.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
