The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders, including Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das, have raised concerns regarding the restrictions imposed by Delhi Police on their planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10. They questioned why similar protests were permitted in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru while their event was not allowed in the capital. In Mumbai 2026, Dipke expressed his frustration, asking rhetorically, “If we can protest in Mumbai, if we can protest in Bangalore, then why can’t we do it in Delhi?”

Delhi Police have denied permission citing procedural protocols, previous law-and-order incidents, and concerns over potential disruptions in security and traffic. The police have indicated plans to deploy over 20,000 security personnel across New Delhi, supplemented by multiple layers of barricades, surveillance measures, and the establishment of twelve detention centres.

Dipke voiced allegations that forces had been mobilised from regions like Jammu and Kashmir and areas affected by Naxalism to ensure the safety of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “He is a bureaucrat. He is not a minister. He is not the Prime Minister. He is not the President,” Dipke asserted as he invoked Article 19, which asserts the right to protest in designated areas like Jantar Mantar. He condemned the various restrictions imposed on roads, metro services, and railways, leading to his remark, “Close the country. Close the election. Close the country.”

Concerns Raised About Protest Dynamics

Ranka highlighted that the ongoing disputes regarding access to Jantar Mantar were overshadowing the essence of their protest. He articulated that citizens should have the right to express dissent peacefully and democratically, noting the current authorities’ focus on preventing protestors from accessing designated areas. He emphasised that their issues pertain to the Election Commission, which they allege is acting in favour of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His commentary included allegations against the Commission for perceived collusion with the BJP, intensified by the party’s defence of Kumar and the arrests of demonstrators in states governed by the BJP. This protest occurs amidst growing demands for Kumar’s resignation and allegations of electoral misconduct. A previous CJP event in Delhi faced chaotic turnouts, prompting police to resort to tear gas and lathicharges.

Das clarified his approach to the police was to inform them rather than to seek formal permission for the protest. He stated he submitted a letter on October 7 asserting the constitutional right to protest, which was acknowledged by the police with a stamp. However, he indicated there was no indication of whether the rally would be permitted. Moreover, he pointed out that unlike the prior protest’s preparations involving senior police officers, no such meetings were scheduled this time.

Extensive Security Preparations Underway

In anticipation of the protest, extensive security measures are being implemented beyond Jantar Mantar. Reports suggest that train services to two major railway stations in Delhi have been cancelled, while around 57 metro stations will close from 9 pm on October 9. Restrictions on internet services and ride-hailing app cabs have also emerged. Over 6,500 security personnel are being deployed within a sensitive one-and-a-half-kilometre zone near the protest site, which includes Jantar Mantar, Janpath, and the Election Commission.

The police have established at least seven layers of barricading leading to the protest location and installed over 300 CCTV cameras equipped with audio-visual capabilities. Senior officers are expected to utilise body cameras, while about 100 photographers and videographers are engaged to document the protest and the police’s responses. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan issued a directive urging police chiefs in states and Union Territories to coordinate effectively with Delhi Police, citing intelligence insights that CJP members might attempt to enter the capital despite the ongoing restrictions.

Authorities are also conducting checks on hotels and lodgings, requiring owners to notify police about guests planning to join the protest. While police personnel are instructed to exercise maximum restraint and avoid reacting to provocations, they have communicated that unauthorised assemblies will not be tolerated, and individuals arriving to take part in the protest might be directed to designated detention centres.

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