The Indian government responded to the Janata Kachroach Party (CJP) protests in New Delhi by deploying tens of thousands of security forces and blocking roads to prevent the gathering. In this operation, thousands of protesters were arrested by the police, and the party's founder, Abhijit Deepke, along with two other leaders, were detained before entering the capital.
Protests and Reactions
Some protesters who returned from reaching the designated protest site (Jantar Mantar) waited in various areas of New Delhi, determined to continue their protests. The Janata Kachroach Party has asked people to fill out an online form if they believe that they or someone they know has been unlawfully detained. The party continues to gather information to support volunteers and affected individuals.
Criticism of the Election Commission
These protests were held to criticize Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, for reforms in the voter lists that critics believe favor the ruling BJP party led by Narendra Modi. Protesters reacted strongly to the heavy police presence, describing it as a "perception game."
Yasmin, one of the protesters, spoke about the unfavorable conditions, saying: "We are playing cat and mouse with the police and trying to prevent our arrest. Protesting is our fundamental right, and requesting permission to protest against a government we oppose is ridiculous."
Ajinkya Shinde, who took responsibility for leading the protest after the main party leaders were arrested, has urged protesters to move towards Jantar Mantar and emphasized that if the police try to stop them, every stop they make will be Jantar Mantar.
Support for Journalists
Meanwhile, Indian media reported that journalists covering these protests were arrested by the police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged the Delhi police to immediately release all detained journalists and media staff and return their equipment.
While Abhijit Deepke is in detention, it has been reported that his grandmother passed away on Saturday. The police have informed Deepke that he must decide whether to continue the protest or return to his hometown for the funeral.
