CJP, INDIA bloc protests LIVE: Delhi braces for showdown

The political confrontation over the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is set to intensify on Saturday, 10 October, with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) preparing to take its protest to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The party has demanded the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the poll body’s actions have undermined electoral transparency and accountability.

The proposed demonstration comes after the CJP’s mobilisation at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, which drew prominent public figures and renewed attention to its campaign against the ECI. Despite Delhi Police denying permission for Saturday’s gathering, CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke has announced plans to press ahead with the agitation.

The INDIA bloc, meanwhile, has stepped up its campaign against the poll body. On Friday, Opposition leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, met President Droupadi Murmu to raise their concerns over the electoral process and the functioning of the ECI.

With the CJP’s protest plans facing a possible confrontation with the police and Opposition parties seeking to sustain pressure on the Election Commission, Delhi is braced for a day of political activity.

Catch up on all of Friday's happenings with yesterday's LIVE blog

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who is expected to reach Delhi by 10.00 am, accused the government of being “scared” amid the unprecedented security clampdown ahead of the protest.

Asked at Mumbai airport whether he expected to be arrested on arrival in the national capital, Dipke said, “If they want to detain or arrest me, let them go ahead. I am ready for it; let them arrest or detain me. It makes no difference to me. Invoke the UAPA, invoke the NSA — go ahead and do it. But we will keep fighting for free and fair elections and to save this country’s democracy.”

Delhi Police estimates that around 7,000 protesters could reach the national capital ahead of the planned demonstration. Senior officers have instructed personnel to maintain maximum restraint and deal with the situation professionally, an official said.

Police sources said the force would not permit any gathering without authorisation. Personnel have been directed to detain those arriving to join the protest and take them to designated detention centres.

Responding to speculation that the demonstration could be shifted to Ramlila Maidan, police said they had not received any application seeking permission to hold a protest at the venue.

The CJP’s planned mobilisation follows several days of protests by Opposition parties demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. INDIA bloc leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, met President Droupadi Murmu on Friday to raise their concerns over the electoral process.

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Security measures extend beyond Jantar Mantar, with authorities taking precautionary steps across central Delhi. Hotels have been asked to turn away certain prospective guests (read protesters), while shops and offices in Connaught Place have been advised to remain closed. Schools and courts have also shifted to online operations as authorities seek to prevent disruption.

Dipke has maintained that the party will go ahead with its planned demonstration demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Criticising the extensive restrictions imposed across Delhi, Dipke has accused the authorities of suppressing citizens’ democratic rights and questioned the disruption to public transport ahead of the protest.

The police have already begun detaining a few protesters attempting to gather at Jantar Mantar.

Ahead of the Jantar Mantar demonstration, CJP members from Maharashtra alleged that police stations had contacted them in an attempt to dissuade them from travelling to Delhi. The party described the alleged pressure as an infringement of their right to protest, while police characterised the calls as routine verification and preventive law-and-order measures.

Delhi is on heightened alert ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. The ministry of home affairs has flagged potential law-and-order concerns and directed states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police to prevent disruption. The authorities have cited the possibility of protesters attempting to enter the capital despite the denial of permission for the gathering.

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