Leaders of India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of stifling democratic dissent and creating an atmosphere of fear amid ongoing anti-government protests in Delhi. The demonstrations, now in their second day, focus on demands for the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters claim that a recent voter-list revision overseen by Kumar removed approximately 130 million names from the electoral rolls, potentially disenfranchising minority communities to the benefit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP, however, has denied any political interference, stating that the revision aims to eliminate ineligible voters.
During Saturday’s protests, authorities detained three CJP leaders—Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka—who were released on Sunday under conditions to prevent public order disruptions. Despite their release, the leaders vowed to continue their demonstrations, criticizing the government’s reaction to the protests. Extensive security measures, including police barricades and restrictions on public transport and internet services, were deployed across the capital. Despite these efforts, thousands of people were reportedly detained as police sought to prevent gatherings at protest sites.
Protesters returned to the streets on Sunday, undeterred by the crackdown. Among those detained again was student activist Neha Bora, who alleged that protesters faced abusive treatment and overcrowded conditions in detention. Delhi University student Surbi Yadav also accused police of using excessive force during her detention and expressed determination to continue participating in the demonstrations until their demands were addressed.
At a press conference, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka expanded the movement’s focus beyond Kumar’s resignation to broader criticisms of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Das accused the government of using force to protect political interests and warned that protests would persist. The BJP has dismissed these allegations, with spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia defending the voter-list revision as a necessary step to remove deceased and illegal voters rather than manipulate election outcomes.
Adding to the pressure on the ruling party, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has supported calls for accountability over the voter-list revision, accusing the government of electoral wrongdoing. His criticism underscores growing opposition concerns about electoral transparency and the integrity of democratic processes in India.
The ongoing protests highlight escalating political tensions over electoral transparency, civil liberties, and the handling of public dissent in India. As demonstrators vow to maintain pressure on the government, authorities remain focused on preventing further unrest in the capital.