Delhi braces for 'cockroach' protest with tens of thousands of security personnel deployed

Parts of India's capital, Delhi, are under heavy security ahead of a large protest on Saturday called by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), an online satirical movement. The activists want electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom they accuse of manipulating voter lists. The Election Commission denies the allegation, and Kumar has not yet responded to the demand that he quit.

Security measures

More than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in the city. Roads leading to Jantar Mantar, the main protest venue, have been shut with large metal barricades. Several trains to Delhi have been cancelled, and police have ordered dozens of metro stations closed to stop demonstrators from gathering. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the protests.

Police official Nupur Prasad said permission was refused partly because the CJP gave short notice, although current guidelines require applications for Jantar Mantar events at least 10 days ahead. She added that the movement had not followed lawful directions in the past. The CJP disputes the decision, arguing that it is legally required only to inform police, not to obtain their approval.

The movement's stance and earlier actions

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement will march to Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning "come what may". In a post on X addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the activists are prepared to be jailed or even shot. The CJP alleges that authorities are preventing many supporters from reaching Delhi.

The movement's weeks-long summer protest for education reforms was its first major challenge to Modi's government, and in July it forced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. Last week CJP supporters rallied in Mumbai, and on Thursday they held a huge rally in the southern city of Bengaluru. Saturday's protest is described as the biggest in recent times and is backed by several opposition parties, farmer organisations and student groups.