MUMBAI:
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday accused the Narendra Modi government of being apprehensive about the proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that the restrictions imposed ahead of the demonstration reflected a lack of confidence.
Dipke left Mumbai for New Delhi to participate in the planned protest at Jantar Mantar, where the CJP is demanding Kumar’s resignation over allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
In a post on X shortly before boarding his flight, Dipke said the preventive detentions of protesters and the security restrictions across the capital were not signs of strength. He alleged that the government was afraid of public opposition and declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accepted defeat even before the demonstration began.
Speaking to reporters at Mumbai airport, Dipke also criticised the reported crackdown on supporters and restrictions affecting movement towards the national capital. He alleged that the measures demonstrated the government’s unease over the proposed mobilisation.
The CJP’s protest centres on allegations concerning the revision of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6, the application used to register voters. The organisation has accused the Election Commission of a lack of transparency and demanded accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration, citing security concerns and procedural requirements. The authorities also imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi area and deployed additional personnel to prevent an unauthorised gathering.
Police sources said protesters were detained at several locations while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was also detained at his residence in Gurugram ahead of the proposed agitation.
Dipke’s remarks came amid the dispute over the restrictions and the police action against those seeking to participate in the demonstration. His assertion that the Prime Minister had accepted defeat was a political claim, rather than a statement based on an electoral outcome.
The CJP has maintained that its proposed agitation is intended to raise concerns about electoral transparency and accountability. The police, meanwhile, have defended their restrictions on the grounds of security and compliance with procedures for holding demonstrations.