Protests Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar To Continue After Detentions at Delhi Demonstration

On Saturday, 10th October, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called for a protest demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll. 

In Delhi, thousands took to the streets and were met with excessive police force. Journalists, protesters and bystanders alike were pushed into police vehicles and taken to detention centres. With the deployment of an estimated 23,000 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) officers and 15,000 local officers, the designated protest site of the capital, Jantar Mantar, was blockaded. In response, protests took place across the city at several locations, including Dilli Haat-INA Market, Red Fort and the Safdarjung flyover. 

CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were also detained shortly after landing in Delhi and have not been released from custody as of 12:00 am, 11th October. 

Following these events, CJP Leader Ajinkya Shinde has issued a call for a fresh protest on Sunday, 11th October, at 10:00 a.m., reiterating CJP’s demand for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. In a video released on official CJP handles, Shinde asks his supporters to march to Jantar Mantar in large numbers, telling them to not back down in the face of police brutality and protest wherever they can. The party vows to continue their protest until all their demands are met. 

All India Students Association (AISA) President, Neha Bora has reiterated CJPs call to action. Saying “hum aj bhi aaye the aur kal bhi aayenge” We came today and we will come again tomorrow. 

The INDIA bloc has also announced a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Monday, 12th October. Via X, Lok Sabha MP and Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal mobilised party workers and citizens for a march to the Supreme Court. Senior members of the party also plan to submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India and request his intervention. Following her detention on 10th October, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also be participating in Monday’s march.

[Edited by Ananya Mahnot and Antara Kulkarni.]