CJP Members Detained Again at Jantar Mantar, Dipke Warns of Nationwide Protests

The confrontation between the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Delhi Police escalated on Tuesday after party members entered the barricaded Jantar Mantar protest site and were detained. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced plans to travel to the national capital on Wednesday to join the agitation demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka, spokesperson Saurav Das and national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde were among those detained after activists climbed over a locked gate to enter the protest site. Carrying the national flag and raising slogans, the members described their action as an attempt to reclaim the venue.

According to The Indian Express, 14 party members were detained, while Reuters reported that around 20 volunteers were taken into custody. The figures could not be independently reconciled. A party lawyer also raised concerns about difficulties in locating and meeting the detained members.

Dipke criticised the police action and questioned the detention of activists carrying the Tricolour. He reiterated the party’s demand for Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral-roll revisions and warned that protests could spread to other parts of the country.

He said he would reach Delhi on October 14 and join the agitation. If stopped by police during his journey, he threatened to stage a protest wherever he was detained. CJP also indicated that its legal team would challenge the action against its members.

The latest detentions came a day after Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues, naming Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as alternatives. Police have sought an extension of the deployment of 273 companies of central armed police forces until October 20, citing concerns over possible further demonstrations.

CJP spokesperson Deepak Baliyan also announced plans for a protest in Rajasthan, alleging police excesses against party workers, students and journalists. He warned of similar demonstrations elsewhere if protesters were prevented from reaching Delhi.