Leaders of India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of creating a climate of fear and stifling democratic dissent, as protests against the government continued for a second day in Delhi. The protests, led by the youth-driven CJP alongside student groups and civil society activists, demand the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators allege that Kumar oversaw a voter-list revision that removed around 130 million names, potentially disenfranchising minority communities and benefiting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has denied any political interference, claiming the revision aims to eliminate ineligible voters.
Security measures in the capital were bolstered, with police barricades and restrictions on public transport and internet services. Thousands were reportedly detained as police sought to prevent gatherings at protest sites. Despite these efforts, protesters, including students and CJP supporters, returned to the streets on Sunday. Activist Neha Bora, detained again for challenging police actions, reported abusive treatment and overcrowded detention conditions. Delhi University student Surbi Yadav also accused police of using excessive force during her detention, vowing to continue protesting until demands are met.
CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, released after being detained during Saturday’s demonstrations, held a press conference expressing the movement’s expansion beyond seeking Kumar’s resignation to broader criticism of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Das accused the government of using force to protect its political interests, warning that protests would persist. The BJP dismissed these allegations, with spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia defending the voter-list revision as a measure to remove dead and illegal voters rather than manipulate election outcomes.
Adding to the pressure on the ruling party, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called for accountability over the voter-list revision, accusing the government of electoral misconduct. His statements have intensified concerns about the integrity of India’s electoral process.
The ongoing demonstrations underscore growing political tensions regarding electoral transparency, civil liberties, and the management of public protests in India. Protesters have pledged to maintain pressure on the government, while authorities focus on preventing further unrest in the capital.