Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Tuesday as they attempted to enter Jantar Mantar to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The detentions occurred amidst heightened security across the city.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the arrests on X (formerly Twitter), stating that several other team members, including Ajinkya Shinde, were also taken into custody. Dipke shared a video showing CJP members scaling a gate at Jantar Mantar while chanting slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai" before police intervened.
Resistance Cannot Be Denotified, Says Dipke
In his post, Dipke wrote, "Cockroaches with the Tiranga sneaked into Jantar Mantar early this morning before they were picked up by Delhi Police." He directly addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding, "You cannot denotify the resistance."
Later remarks from Dipke linked the detentions to the government's decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites. He asserted this move indicated PM Modi's fear, not of the location, but of the very act of protest and the public's desire to voice dissent.
"Now the entire country will become Jantar Mantar, because Jantar Mantar is not just a place. It is a feeling, a spirit of resistance," Dipke stated, calling the government's actions a "mark of a dictator." He vowed that protests would continue nationwide, undeterred by the government's attempts to suppress them.
Dipke also indicated that Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das would outline the CJP's next steps in Delhi within 24 hours.
Critiques on Judiciary, Election Commission
Addressing other political developments, Dipke commented on remarks attributed to the Chief Justice regarding law and order, questioning the lack of action against the Election Commission concerning alleged electoral issues. He referenced past incidents, such as cancelled votes in Bengal, and challenged the Supreme Court's consistency in applying standards to voters versus political leaders.
He also extended support to the 'India Block' opposition alliance for their recent large-scale protest in Delhi, emphasizing the need for unity among opposition forces. Dipke reiterated that such protests would persist until Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
Responding to a statement by Devendra Fadnavis, Dipke questioned why allegations were being made instead of initiating investigations through existing agencies like the police, Enforcement Directorate, and CBI. "Arrest us. Put us in jail. What are you waiting for? Put us behind bars!" he challenged, criticizing the BJP's long-standing habit of making accusations.